Xanthan Gum

Other Name(s):

Corn Sugar Gum; Cane Sugar Gum; Polysaccharide B-1459; Xanthan; Xanthomonas ; E415

The two most common raw materials used to make xanthan gum are cane sugar molasses and high fructose corn syrup.

Is Xanthan Gum Faithful to Nature?

Depends.

Xanthan gum serves a vital purpose in products that use water and oil based ingredients. It can be made using GMO-free and certified organic plants, making it a sustainable, vegan-friendly alternative to ingredients like gelatin and palm oil.

Benefits: Why is Xanthan Gum used?

Emulsifier

Xanthan gum is used as an emulsifier, it allows ingredients which wouldn’t normally be able to mix (water and oil) to form a stable emulsion.

Thickening Agent

Xanthan gum mimics gluten’s thickening action in gluten-free baking, making your bread dough nice and elastic when kneading.

Formulation Stabiliser

Xanthan gum is used in the manufacture of supplements and personal care products as a stabiliser.

Blood Sugar Stabiliser

Some studies show that xanthan gum may help stabilise blood sugar levels.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum:

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Xanthan Gum?

Xanthan gum can be found in a wide range of gluten-free foods, and palm oil free personal care products. It can commonly be found in health supplements, cosmetics (skin, hair and oral care), toothpastes, puddings, vegan honeys and more.

Production: How is Xanthan Gum Made?

Xanthan gum is made by a natural fermentation process by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. This bacterium metabolises the carbohydrates from the raw material and produces the gum as a byproduct. This gooey byproduct is then dried using isopropyl alcohol and milled into a fine powder.

Interesting Fact: Xanthan Gum

Much like glycerine, xanthan gum is often added to frozen desserts like ice cream to keep it creamy and prevent ice crystals from forming. If you’re trying to avoid ingredients made from palm oil, you can shop for baked treats that use xanthan gum instead. Keep a look out for E415.

Xanthan gum isn’t only used in household goods, it also has industrial modes of application. Some industrial products made with xanthan gum are used to lubricate mining equipment like drill bits.