Ingredient · E415

Xantham

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use xanthan gum as a thickener and stabilizer in foods. It helps prevent …

What is Xantham?

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide, a type of complex carbohydrate. It is produced by the fermentation of sugar by a bacterium called *Xanthomonas campestris*. The resulting gum is then dried and milled into a fine powder.

Is Xantham vegan?

Xantham is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Xantham gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Xantham a major allergen?

Xanthan gum is not derived from any of the nine major allergens.

What is Xantham used for?

Manufacturers use xanthan gum as a thickener and stabilizer in foods.

Is Xantham safe?

Xanthan gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use xanthan gum as a thickener and stabilizer in foods. It helps prevent ingredients from separating and gives a smooth texture to products like salad dressings, sauces, and baked goods. It is commonly found in gluten-free baking to provide structure.

Health notes

Xanthan gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. It is not metabolized by the body and passes through undigested. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated xanthan gum and found it safe for consumption. At typical dietary levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects.

Allergen info

Xanthan gum is not derived from any of the nine major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Foods that contain Xantham

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Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.