What Is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan gum is a common food and drug additive. It’s a type of carbohydrate made by bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. During fermentation, the bacteria break down sugars and produce a substance that is dried and ground into an off-white or pale yellow powder.
When added to food or other products, xanthan gum acts as a:
- Binder, holding ingredients together
- Thickener, making liquids or creams thicker
- Stabilizer, helping combine things that usually don’t mix well (such as oil and water)
- Suspending agent, keeping solids from sinking to the bottom of a liquid
What is xanthan gum made from?
The bacteria that make xanthan gum naturally live on the leaves of vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and turnips. The bacteria is fermented (similar to the process used in making wine or cheese) and then turned into powder.
The bacteria may be fed with sources such as cane sugar, dairy, corn, or wheat, but xanthan gum itself isn’t directly made from these ingredients. If you have dietary concerns, look for kosher, halal, organic, gluten-free, or vegan certifications on the label.
Xanthan Gum Uses
Xanthan gum dissolves easily in both hot and cold water. It remains stable even with changes in temperature, acidity, or salt levels, making it desirable for many uses.
Xanthan gum in food
You can use xanthan gum in the food you make at home, and manufacturers often add it to packaged foods to:
- Prevent clumping
- Help boost color
- Retain moisture
- Blend ingredients that don’t mix well
- Keep texture and thickness stable
- Improve what the food surface looks like
- Create a better texture
You can find xanthan gum in many processed foods and drinks, including:
- Salad dressings
- Sauces or gravies
- Dairy products
- Syrups
- Condiments such as ketchup
- Instant drinks
- Baked goods
- Dessert fillings
- Candy
- Gluten-free or plant-based products
If you’re not sure if something you’re eating or drinking has xanthan gum in it, check the nutrition label. It should be listed alongside the other ingredients.
Xanthan gum gluten-free
If you have celiac disease, your body can’t digest a protein called gluten. People who have non-celiac gluten sensitivity also have trouble eating it. Wheat, barley, rye, and some other grains contain this protein, making it a common ingredient found in baked goods, bread, and pasta.
Gluten makes dough stretchy, which gives baked goods their moist, airy texture. To recreate these effects, people who avoid gluten sometimes mix xanthan gum with gluten-free flour when baking.
Xanthan gum in skin care
Xanthan gum is added to many skin care products to:
- Thicken creams and lotions
- Prevent clumping in powders
- Help retain moisture
- Help with foam formation and stability
Xanthan gum for trouble swallowing
If you have a health condition that causes trouble swallowing (dysphagia,) xanthan gum may help because it thickens liquids, making them easier to swallow. Talk to your doctor before you use a xanthan gum-based thickener. SimplyThick isn’t recommended for babies younger than 37 weeks.
Other uses for xanthan gum
You’ll find xanthan gum in many other products besides food, but it’s often used for similar reasons — to thicken liquids and stabilize or hold things together.
Other xanthan gum uses include:
- Medications, including sustained-release drugs
- Cosmetics
- Toothpaste
- Water-based paints
- Petroleum products
- Some wastewater treatments
- Concrete
Xanthan gum can also act as an eco-friendly dispersant (something that breaks oil into smaller droplets). For example, it can be used alongside other chemical dispersants to clean up an oil spill.
Can You Get Xanthan Gum Naturally From Foods?
No. Xanthan gum is a food additive. It is a common ingredient in processed foods.
Some supermarkets also carry xanthan gum alongside other ingredients for baking or in the natural foods area.
Xanthan Gum Substitutes
For gluten-free or egg-free baking, you usually add 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup of flour to help with structure and texture. But if you’d rather skip xanthan gum, you can use other ingredients to get similar results.
Chia seeds
These tiny seeds come from the Salvia hispanica plant. They don’t change the flavor of your food and absorb water quickly to form a gel.
You can eat chia seeds raw (called chia pudding) or use the gel mixture to replace xanthan gum or eggs in most baked goods, including:
- Breads
- Cookies
- Muffins
- Cakes
- Pancakes
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a powder made from corn. It’s commonly used to thicken sauces and soups. It might also add structure and softness to baked goods. It has a neutral flavor, so it won't change the taste of your food.
Egg whites
Eggs are the most commonly used thickener or stabilizer. They’re a protein-based binder, whereas xanthan gum is starch-based. You can use them in place of xanthan gum to improve texture, structure, and volume in regular and gluten-free baking.
Agar-agar
This is another plant-based gelling agent, thickener, and stabilizer. It’s made from algae. You may also hear it called vegetable gelatin. You can buy it in powder, flake, or strip form.
The best uses of agar-agar include:
- Pie fillings
- Icings or glazes
- Candies or candy fillings
- Jellies
- Nougat
- Sauces
- Yogurt
Guar gum
It is made from the guar bean plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). Like xanthan gum, It’s a common plant-based thickener and stabilizer used in packaged foods and drugs.
The best uses of guar gum include:
- Baked goods
- Gravies and sauces
- Jams and jellies
- Soups
Konjac powder
Konjac is a starchy root vegetable. Konjac powder is made from the plant’s roots (called corms). You can use konjac in a way similar to cornstarch.
Xanthan Gum Side Effects
Xanthan gum seems to cause few side effects. Studies are ongoing to see if xanthan gum changes the type of bacteria in our digestive tract and if these changes are for the good or bad.
Some people may have digestive issues such as gas and bloating after eating a lot of xanthan gum.
Xanthan gum interactions
Tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, even if they're natural. That way, your doctor can check on any potential side effects or interactions with any medications.
Takeaways
Xanthan gum is a common food additive made from sugar fermented by bacteria. It acts as a binder, thickener, and stabilizer to improve texture and keep ingredients from separating. As an emulsifier, it helps things such as oil and water mix.
Most people don’t experience side effects from eating foods with xanthan gum, but you might have some gas and bloating. If you have questions about xanthan gum or how it might affect you, talk to your doctor.