Plain waxy maize is a single-ingredient product, so the differences between brands come down to purity, testing, price per serving and availability. We also include two products made from waxy maize that behave differently and suit endurance athletes better.
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It doesn't change our picks. Read our disclosure.
Quick picks
| Pick | Best for |
|---|---|
| Myprotein 100% Waxy Maize Starch | Best overall value |
| NOW Sports Waxy Maize | Most trusted brand |
| True Nutrition Waxy Maize (Amylocel) | Custom recovery blends |
| UCAN SuperStarch | Steady energy for endurance |
| Transparent Labs Cyclic Dextrin | Drinking during training |
Plain waxy maize starch
Myprotein 100% Waxy Maize Starch
Single-ingredient, unflavored waxy maize from one of the biggest sports nutrition brands. Mixes into shakes with almost no taste and comes in several bag sizes.
- One ingredient, nothing added
- Vegan and gluten-friendly
- Low cost per serving
- Stock in the US comes and goes
NOW Sports Waxy Maize Powder
Non-GMO waxy maize from NOW Foods, typically around 90% amylopectin. Widely stocked and easy to find at iHerb.
- Non-GMO corn
- Long-established brand
- Large 5.5 lb tub
- Bigger upfront purchase
True Nutrition Waxy Maize Starch (Amylocel)
Sold by the pound and third-party tested. Good if you build your own recovery formula with True Nutrition's custom protein blends.
- Third-party tested
- Buy small amounts to try it
- Pairs with custom protein blends
- Smaller bags cost more per serving
Ultimate Nutrition Waxy Maize
45 g of waxy maize per serving with no added sugar or flavor. Aimed at lifters who want an easy carb top-up.
- 45 g carbs per scoop
- Made in the USA
- Fewer reviews than the big names
Made from waxy maize, built for endurance
UCAN SuperStarch
A heat-and-moisture treated waxy maize starch built to release glucose slowly. Popular with runners and cyclists who want steady energy before long sessions.
- Very slow, steady glucose release
- Most researched modified starch
- Flavored and plain options
- Some athletes report stomach upset when used during exercise
- Pricier than plain waxy maize
Transparent Labs Cyclic Dextrin
Cluster Dextrin is made from waxy maize amylopectin using an enzyme process. It's the option to look at if you want the fast-emptying, low-osmolality carb that waxy maize is often wrongly marketed as.
- Patented Cluster Dextrin ingredient
- Built for drinking during training
- Much higher cost per gram of carbs
Track your results
Want to see how your diet and training show up in your bloodwork? At-home testing makes it easy to track metabolic and heart markers over time.
Rythm Health At-Home Blood Testing
Collect a blood sample at home in a few minutes and get results within days. The subscription tracks hormones, cardiovascular markers and metabolic health over time.
- Test at home, no clinic visit
- Tracks metabolic, heart and hormone markers
- Trends over time with a subscription
- Monthly subscription cost
- Not a substitute for care from your doctor
How we choose
- Ingredients: one ingredient is best. Avoid added sugar or fillers in "pure" waxy maize.
- Testing: third-party testing and GMP-certified manufacturing count for a lot in supplements.
- Price per serving: waxy maize is a commodity starch, so paying a premium only makes sense for a real difference like testing or a modified form.
- Honest marketing: we favor brands that don't oversell waxy maize as "faster than sugar."
Buying tips
- Compare price per 50 g serving, not price per tub
- Check the amylopectin percentage if it's listed — higher is closer to "true" waxy maize
- Buy a small bag first to see how it sits with you
- Store it sealed and dry; starch clumps in humidity
New to waxy maize? Read what it is and how to use it first.