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
Explore further
Breeds & varieties
A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.
Characteristics
Preparations
Provenance
Sources
Traits
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 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
- Energy 357 kcal
- Water 4.71 g
- Carbohydrates 87.7 g
- Sugars 81.8 g
- Monosaccharides 57.2 g
- Disaccharides 24.5 g
- Starch 1.86 g
- Amylose 0.47 g
- Amylopectin 1.4 g
- Digestible Starch 1.58 g
- Resistant Starch 0.19 g
- Protein 2.08 g
- Fat 1.01 g
- Saturated Fat 0.47 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.19 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 0.21 g
- Vitamins 25.2 mg
- Vitamin A 20 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.01 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.02 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 0.11 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.06 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.02 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 0.2 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 2.2 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 0.11 mg
- Vitamin K 0.5 µg
- Minerals 270 mg
- Major Minerals 264 mg
- Trace Minerals 6.1 mg
- Salt 0.05 g
- Sodium Chloride 0.05 g
Vitamins
vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 20 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.01 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.02 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 0.11 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.06 · vitamin-b6: 0.02 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 0.2 · vitamin-b9-folate: 2.2 · vitamin-e: 0.11 · vitamin-k: 0.5 ·
Minerals
Sodium: 20.3 · Potassium: 182 · Calcium: 62 · Iron: 0.7 · Zinc: 0.4 · Iodine: 5 ·
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.
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.