Xanthan
What is Xanthan?
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide, a type of complex carbohydrate. It is produced by the fermentation of sugar by a specific bacterium, *Xanthomonas campestris*. The resulting gum is then purified, dried, and ground into a fine powder.
Is Xanthan vegan?
Xanthan is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Xanthan gluten-free?
It does not contain gluten.
Is Xanthan a major allergen?
Xanthan gum is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA.
What is Xanthan used for?
Manufacturers use xanthan gum primarily as a thickener and stabilizer.
Is Xanthan 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 primarily as a thickener and stabilizer. It helps prevent ingredients from separating and gives foods a smoother texture. It is commonly found in salad dressings, sauces, baked goods, and dairy products like yogurt and ice cream.
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 poorly digested and passes through the body largely unchanged. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated xanthan gum and found it to be safe. Some studies suggest it may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol, but more research is needed. High doses might cause digestive discomfort for some individuals.
Allergen info
Xanthan gum is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Xanthan
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