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
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A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.
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Nutrition and pairings
Nutrition
Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.
Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g edible portion
Amount per 100 g
- Total Fat 0.4 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Sodium 320 mg
- Salt 0.8 g
- Total Carbohydrate 78 g
- Dietary Fibre 78 g
- Total Sugars 0 g
- Complex / starch 0 g
- Protein 5 g
- Water 9 g
- Energy 180 kcal
- Water 9 g
- Carbohydrates 78 g
- Fibre 78 g
- Soluble Fibre 75 g
- Insoluble Fibre 3 g
- Gums 78 g
- Protein 5 g
- Fat 0.4 g
- Minerals 451 mg
- Major Minerals 450 mg
- Trace Minerals 0.8 mg
- Iron 0.8 mg
- Salt 0.8 g
Minerals
Sodium: 320 · Potassium: 90 · Calcium: 40 · Iron: 0.8 ·
Xanthan is a bacterial polysaccharide thickener. Dry powder is almost all indigestible fibre (~80 g), with modest protein from fermentation biomass. Energy is low (~180 kcal) because the carbohydrate is not starch or sugar.
In the kitchen
Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Xanthan Gum.
History
USDA researchers identified xanthan polysaccharide from Xanthomonas campestris fermentation.
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.