Maltodextrin and 'no added sugar': what FSSAI's latest claim notices mean for fruit bases, desserts and drinks

In October 2026, FSSAI issued notices over claims printed on packaged nutrition drinks. The reports have stayed in food-industry coverage this week, including FMT Magazine on 26 October 2026. One point matters for anyone who makes fruit bases, ice creams, desserts or drinks: the "no added sugar" claim. Not legal advice.

What was reported

NDTV Food reported that FSSAI:

• considered a "no added sugar" claim misleading in view of the presence of maltodextrin
• found the word "healthy" used in a way that did not follow the rules on that term
• found the nutrition information table was not in the prescribed format
• flagged health-benefit phrases under the Food Safety and Standards (Advertising and Claims) Regulations, 2018

The companies were asked to respond within the stipulated period. We do not name products here; the lesson is about claims, not brands.

Why fruit-base and dessert makers should care

Many fruit preparations, ripples, sorbet bases and beverage concentrates use carbohydrate ingredients for body, freeze-point or mouthfeel. Some taste only faintly sweet, but they may still matter for a sugar claim. Typical ones to review:

• Maltodextrin and other starch-derived syrups or solids
• Fruit juice concentrates added mainly to sweeten
• Jaggery, honey or invert syrup
• Dextrose or glucose syrup used as a bulking agent

A five-step claim check before printing

1. List every ingredient that contributes carbohydrate, including in compound ingredients from suppliers.
2. Ask suppliers for full compositions of fruit preps, stabiliser blends and flavour carriers.
3. Read the claim conditions in the FSSAI Advertising and Claims compendium for "no added sugar", "low sugar" and "sugar free".
4. Check the nutrition table format against the current FSSAI Labelling and Display rules.
5. Avoid "healthy" and health-benefit wording unless you have confirmed it is allowed.

Safer ways to talk about fruit

• State fruit content honestly, as a percentage if you can support it.
• Describe taste and texture ("tart kiwi", "pulpy guava") instead of health outcomes.
• If sweetness comes from fruit, say so plainly without implying the product has no sugar.

Sources

• NDTV Food: Food authority issues notice over misleading claims, Oct 2026
• FMT Magazine: FSSAI issues show-cause notices, 26 Oct 2026
• FSSAI Compendium: Advertising and Claims Regulations
• FSSAI Compendium: Labelling and Display Regulations

Not legal advice. Confirm claims for your own product with a qualified regulatory adviser.