Xanthan Gum

Processed

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is an extracellular polysaccharide produced by fermenting a carbohydrate source with Xanthomonas campestris, then recovering, purifying, and milling a high-viscosity hydrocolloid powder. Tiny use levels thicken dressings, sauces, gluten-free batters, dairy drinks, and frozen desserts while stabilising emulsions and suspending spices. It hydrates in hot or cold water, tolerates salt and acid better than many plant gums, and works synergistically with guar or locust bean gum for gel-like textures. Food-grade xanthan is off-white to cream, nearly flavourless when pure, and labelled by viscosity grade and particle size (including easy-dispersing types). Manufacturers specify residual fermentation solids, microbiology, and rheology so beverage and sauce lines stay consistent. Overuse yields slimy or stringy mouthfeel; proper hydration and high-shear dispersion prevent fish-eyes in cold mixes.

Also known as: E415, E415, Xanthan Gum

Track this ingredient

Unit

Explore further

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

View all

Characteristics

Preparations

Blended With Sugar For DispersionCombined With GuarDry PowderHigh-Shear DispersedPrehydrated Slurry

Provenance

Food GradeGluten FreeHalalKosherNon-GMOOrganicVegan

Sources

Indoor FarmedPlantation

Traits

Acid StableCold Water SolubleEmulsion StabiliserFermentation GumFunctional Group: ThickenerHigh ViscosityLow Use LevelShear Thinning

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 357

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 1.01 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.47 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 0.19 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 0.21 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 20.3 mg
  • Salt 0.05 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 87.7 g
  • Dietary Fibre 0 g
  • Total Sugars 81.8 g
  • Complex / starch 1.86 g
  • Protein 2.08 g
  • Water 4.71 g
Detailed nutrients

Refined processed sweeteners and additives are energy-dense carbohydrate with little else.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Xanthan Gum.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

US

USDA researchers identified xanthan polysaccharide from Xanthomonas campestris fermentation.

US

Commercial food approval and production scaled xanthan into dressings and processed foods.

Global adoption made xanthan a default stabiliser for sauces and low-oil emulsions.

Gluten-free baking popularised xanthan as a structure and gas-retention aid in home and industrial mixes.

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙

Rejoining the server...

Rejoin failed... trying again in seconds.

Failed to rejoin.
Please retry or reload the page.

The session has been paused by the server.

Failed to resume the session.
Please retry or reload the page.