Use of maltodextrin to increase head retention & body, how much & when added for 5 gallon batch?

5 Gallon Kit and Kilo

I'm about to start a new batch. I'm fairly new so just using cheap extract kits from Superstore. They lack flavour and head retention so I thought I would spruce it up a bit with some additional ingredients.

The 5 gallon kit calls for 1 Kg of Dextrose to be added for fermentation. I've made that before and it's okay. Here's what I'll be doing for the next batch:

• Dextrose for Fermentation (2/3 Kg)
• Wheat DME (500g)
• Maltodextrin (1/3 lb)
• Williamette Dry Hops (1oz)

I'll be adding everything except for the hops at the start of fermentation. I'll add the hops after a few days when primary fermentation is done.

So, to answer your questions:

• I'm going to add 1/3 lb of maltodextrin.
• I'm adding it at the start of fermentation.

This was based on my research but there's nothing like trial and error so I'll come back here and post an update with how it turned out and even include a picture of the head retention to showcase it.

Cheers!

I mash from the grains and use maltodextrin to improve head retention, as well as a beer heading liquid containing propylene glycol alginate(PGA), which helps to stabilise the head and prevent collapse of the bubbles. The look and condition of my beers has drastically improved since using these additives but I'm not sure which is most reponsible. To get a good head, the label on the maltodextrin packet recommends adding about 10g (= a third of an ounce)to a 22.5 Ltr(= 5 imperial gallon) brew, AFTER fermentation and just before bottling(same time as I add 10ml of the PGA). This is a lot less maltodextrin than the heroic amounts needed to increase body and sweetness, such as 500g or a pound in weight to a similar brew. I would rather avoid a turgid beer laden with maltodextrins to make it heavier and sweeter tasting. Although the maltodextrin is not readily fermented by yeasts, it is rapidly broken down and utilised as sugar in humans. I prefer not to add more than necessary to my sugar intake while drinking beer! I prefer it dry, hoppy and clean tasting.

Maltodextrin will increase body using between 1/4 and 1lb in a 5 gallon batch. Although equally, using LME/DME instead of sugar with a kit will do a similar job and give you a much maltier beer. Maltodextrin has relatively little taste, so don't expect the beer to be much sweeter.

To increase head formation and retention, and sweeten the beer, you can add 1/4 of wheat malt (if doing a mini-mash) or a light caramel malt, such as carapils.

I only use maltodextrin with extract beers, added with the rest of the malt. You can add it at any time during the boil though. A pound in 5 or 6 gallon for IPA's type brews, 1/2lb in lighter beers. I don't think all grain brew needs it, but it greatly improves my P.D.Q. APA's. Kiwi Bruce