Xanthan Gum

Xanthan Gum is a widely used food additive most notable for its effective thickening and stabilizing properties when added to a formulation. Produced by fermenting corn starch with Xanthomonas campestris bacteria, xanthan gum is in powder form with a white to yellow appearance. Throughout the food and beverage manufacturing industry, this prevalent raw material increases the viscosity of a liquid formulation, stabilizes food, prevents separation of mixed ingredients, and can greatly improve the texture of an end-product. Gluten-free products often use xanthan gum to boost elasticity and stickiness in doughs or batters which gluten naturally provides. In vegan food preparations, it often replaces gelatin additives and thickens egg substitutes. Xanthan gum is a preferred ingredient for manufacturing salad dressings, baked goods, soups, ice cream, sauces, and syrups. In the cosmetic and personal-care industry, xanthan gum is used for oil-in-water emulsions or gel products, in addition to toothpaste, creams, lotions, and shampoos. Industrial applications also exist to thicken and resist varying temperatures and pH levels such as in paints, adhesives, and cleaners.