A method of forming a bleached dextrin, comprising combining a dextrin-based composition selected from the group consisting of starch dextrin, cyclodextrins, inulin, hydrogenated indigestible dextrins, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, highly branched maltodextrins, and combinations of any thereof with a caustic agent and an oxidant to form a mixture; heating the mixture for a period of time; and drying the mixture to form the bleached dextrin.