Xanthum Gum And A Lot Of Love

Xanthan gum is a common food additive made by fermenting sugars with a type of bacteria called *Xanthomonas campestris*. The resulting gum is then dried and ground into a powder. It's a polysaccharide, a type of complex carbohydrate.

Manufacturers add xanthan gum to foods as a thickener and stabilizer. It helps prevent ingredients from separating and gives products a smoother texture. You'll find it in salad dressings, sauces, baked goods, and dairy products.

Xanthan gum is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is not metabolized by the body and passes through undigested. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated xanthan gum and found it to be safe. Some people may experience digestive discomfort, like gas or bloating, if they consume very large amounts, but this is uncommon at typical dietary levels.