Cyclic Dextrin
Cyclic Dextrin
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Cyclic Dextrin

Patented Cluster Dextrin® carbohydrate provides steady energy, enhances performance, and accelerates recovery without insulin spikes or digestive distress.

No Artificial Sweeteners

No Artificial Sweeteners

Gluten-Free and Non-GMO

Gluten-Free and Non-GMO

No Artificial Coloring

No Artificial Coloring

No Artificial Preservatives

No Artificial Preservatives

1 Flavor Available:

Third-Party Testing

We believe trust is earned through transparency. That’s why we provide full access to our third-party test results, so you can feel confident in what you’re taking. View all third-party tests.

View product purity test results (Certificate of Analysis) View ingredient verification test results

Transparent Labs Strength Series Cyclic Dextrin is a scientifically formulated carbohydrate supplement that enhances workout performance and muscle recovery by bolstering glycogen stores and providing extra energy when you need it most. Each serving delivers 25g of patented Cluster Dextrin®, a novel form of maltodextrin known as highly branched cyclic dextrin.


Unlike many carbohydrate powders and sports beverages, Cluster Dextrin® rapidly passes through the stomach and enters the small intestine, where it's slowly absorbed into the bloodstream. As such, Cluster Dextrin® is preferable for athletes and gym-goers since it won't cause sharp swings in blood sugar or lead to gastrointestinal (GI) distress/upset stomach.

Orders in the US over $99 ship free.

Once your order has shipped out from our fulfillment center, you will receive a Shipping Confirmation email. If you selected a tracked shipping method, you will receive your tracking information, along with the necessary steps to track your order, within this email. Please note, orders are generally fulfilled same day or next business day.

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45 Day Satisfaction Guarantee

If you are not satisfied with your product, we will offer you a full refund or store credit for the value of the item within 45 days of delivery.

Click here for the full refund policy »

why use Cyclic Dextrin?

Cyclic dextrin is a superior carbohydrate supplement that supports quick gastric emptying and sustained energy without sharp blood sugar swings.

Sustain Workout Energy

Delivers steady glucose supply, maintaining consistent blood sugar levels without energy crashes.

Sustain Workout Energy

Enhance Athletic Performance

Clinically proven to reduce perceived exertion, allowing you to train harder and longer.

Enhance Athletic Performance

Rapidly Replenish Muscle Glycogen

Quickly replenishes muscle glycogen post-workout, promoting faster recovery and muscle growth.

Rapidly Replenish Muscle Glycogen

Easy Digestion & No Discomfort

Gentle on the stomach with rapid gastric emptying, avoiding digestive distress common with other carbohydrates.

Easy Digestion & No Discomfort

Key Ingredients

Our formulas are made with clean, natural ingredients, with clinically-validated dosages to support health and performance.

Cluster Dextrin® (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin)

25 g

Cluster Dextrin® (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin) is a premium carbohydrate providing sustained energy, improved performance, and efficient glycogen replenishment without digestive discomfort.

Cluster Dextrin® (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin)

Cluster Dextrin® (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin)

25 g

Cluster Dextrin is a patented form of highly branched cyclic dextrin, an atypical carbohydrate made from waxy maize amylopectin using branching enzymes that introduce extensive branching into its molecular structure. In turn, highly branched cyclic dextrin has a molecular weight of ~400,000 g/mol, far exceeding that of dextrose (180 g/mol) and maltodextrin (400-2,000 g/mol) found in most carbohydrate supplements [1].

The high molecular weight of highly branched cyclic dextrin imparts high water solubility, very low osmolality, and resistance to retrogradation. As such, Cluster Dextrin® is easier to tolerate for athletes and won’t cause the gastrointestinal discomfort of conventional sports drinks [2]. 

Numerous clinical studies have shown that athletes given highly branched cyclic dextrin pre-workout experience significantly greater peak performance capacity and reduced rates of perceived exertion (RPE) compared to those given sports beverages with dextrose/glucose or maltodextrin [3, 4]. 

Supplementing with Cluster Dextrin® after training helps replenish muscle glycogen and create a more anabolic environment for maximal recovery, especially when combined with a quality protein source like grass-fed whey isolate [5, 6].

Cluster Dextrin® (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin)

Complete Your Stack

Pair Cyclic Dextrin with these products for a complete foundational stack.
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Creatine HMB
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Protein
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Clean, grass-fed whey protein isolate with no artificial additives.
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Comprehensive muscle-building pre-workout formula.
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Health & Wellness
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Formulated with bioavailable electrolytes to promote optimal hydration.
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Every Ingredient Matters To Make Every Effort Count.

Shop Clean Supplements

Customer Reviews

Based on 94 reviews
90%
(85)
5%
(5)
2%
(2)
1%
(1)
1%
(1)
C
Craig O.
Great Pre, Intra, and Post

I’ve enjoyed. Always use with my Intra product for 2 hour sessions. Often use 30 minutes prior on Leg Days, and then sometimes to help meet my giant carb goals for the day on other days. Gives no GI issues at all. As some others have said, it’s SUPER fine powder and can get messy/ instantly sticky—but that’s its nature as a carb.

J
Jason G
IF ONLY……

Super clean stuff! If only you guys added electrolytes into this just like the G1M sport from BPN, this would be golden! I’d buy this all the time

J
JoJo Buck

Take it before my workouts. Gives me the energy I need.

M
Manny Diaz
Fuel on the Go!!

It’s been absolutely a game changer for me as I have been able to not only mix it with my electrolytes but also has helped tremendously in my ability to intake the necessary carbohydrates that I need in my longer rides!!

M
Matthew
Sticky, lumpy, and makes a huge mess

I lke a lot of TL products but this one I just can't use. The powder is so fine it gets all over the place no matter how careful I am. It's sticky, hard to disolve in water, and doesn't take very good. Had to stop using it.

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How to Use

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Step 1 – Add Powder

Combine 1-3 scoops of Transparent Labs Cyclic Dextrin with 12-20 oz of water or your preferred beverage in a shaker bottle. It can be stacked with other powder supplements without altering the taste.
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Step 2 – Mix

Vigorously shake the bottle until the powder is fully dissolved.
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Step 3 - Drink

Consume Transparent Labs Cyclic Dextrin pre-workout (for energy), intra-workout (for endurance), or post-workout (with protein) for optimal recovery.
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Step 4 - Use as Needed

Transparent Labs Cyclic Dextrin can be taken daily for added energy and muscle glycogen replenishment.

Frequently Asked
Questions

Why use a carbohydrate powder supplement?

Carbohydrate supplements are a practical way of fueling your body with an efficient energy source before, during, and after intense exercise. Our carbohydrate powder features clinically studied Cluster Dextrin®, which has desirable digestive and physiological characteristics. This unique carbohydrate allows athletes and gym-goers to improve their performance and muscle recovery without digestive discomfort associated with fast-acting carbohydrates like dextrose and maltodextrin.

Does Cyclic Dextrin help build muscle mass?

Carbohydrate powders won't significantly stimulate muscle protein synthesis without concomitant ingestion of a protein source, such as whey protein. However, taking carbohydrate powder with protein can significantly bolster muscle protein synthesis and contribute to increased muscle growth.

Does TL cyclic dextrin contain complex carbohydrates or fast-acting carbohydrates?

Cluster Dextrin® (highly branched cyclic dextrin) is technically a complex carbohydrate since it's comprised of many glucose polymers. However, its distinctive physicochemical properties make it a source of both rapid and long-lasting energy, leading to consistent blood sugar balance instead of "peaks" and "valleys."

Are carb supplements good for bulking?

Absolutely. If your goal is muscle gain or effective refueling post-workout, carb supplements like Cyclic Dextrin are a great way to increase your carbohydrate and calorie intake conveniently and affordably.

Should I use a carb supplement for muscle recovery?

For anyone serious about their training and leading an active lifestyle, adding a natural whole foods-based carb supplement to your diet is highly beneficial. It supports long-lasting energy and enhances workout recovery.

Should you take Cyclic Dextrin Pre-Workout or Post-Workout?

Incorporate Cyclic Dextrin both 1 to 4 hours before your workout for fuel and within approximately 60 minutes after exercising for optimal muscle repair and recovery. Combining carbs with protein enhances both energy for your workout and muscle synthesis afterwards.

Why use a carbohydrate powder supplement?

Carbohydrate supplements are a practical way of fueling your body with an efficient energy source before, during, and after intense exercise. Our carbohydrate powder features clinically studied Cluster Dextrin®, which has desirable digestive and physiological characteristics. This unique carbohydrate allows athletes and gym-goers to improve their performance and muscle recovery without digestive discomfort associated with fast-acting carbohydrates like dextrose and maltodextrin.

Does Cyclic Dextrin help build muscle mass?

Carbohydrate powders won't significantly stimulate muscle protein synthesis without concomitant ingestion of a protein source, such as whey protein. However, taking carbohydrate powder with protein can significantly bolster muscle protein synthesis and contribute to increased muscle growth.

Does TL cyclic dextrin contain complex carbohydrates or fast-acting carbohydrates?

Cluster Dextrin® (highly branched cyclic dextrin) is technically a complex carbohydrate since it's comprised of many glucose polymers. However, its distinctive physicochemical properties make it a source of both rapid and long-lasting energy, leading to consistent blood sugar balance instead of "peaks" and "valleys."

Are carb supplements good for bulking?

Absolutely. If your goal is muscle gain or effective refueling post-workout, carb supplements like Cyclic Dextrin are a great way to increase your carbohydrate and calorie intake conveniently and affordably.

Should I use a carb supplement for muscle recovery?

For anyone serious about their training and leading an active lifestyle, adding a natural whole foods-based carb supplement to your diet is highly beneficial. It supports long-lasting energy and enhances workout recovery.

Should you take Cyclic Dextrin Pre-Workout or Post-Workout?

Incorporate Cyclic Dextrin both 1 to 4 hours before your workout for fuel and within approximately 60 minutes after exercising for optimal muscle repair and recovery. Combining carbs with protein enhances both energy for your workout and muscle synthesis afterwards.