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What Is Xanthan Gum?

Xanthan gum is commonly seen in ingredient lists for processed foods, as well as some non-food products such as cleansers. However, many people are not sure what it is.

  1. What It Is

    • Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide gum commercially produced for the food industry.

    Where It Comes From

    • To make xanthan gum, producers allow corn sugar to be fermented by a bacterium called Xanthomonas campestris.

    What It's Used In

    • Xanthan gum can be found in processed foods, including salad dressings, dairy products, packaged meat and poultry, sauces, baked goods and drinks. It can also be used in non-food products, such as toilet bowl cleaners.

    Why It's Used

    • Xanthan gum improves a product's stability, and thickens and emulsifies products.

    What Properties It Has

    • Xanthan gum is used partly because it works well alongside many other ingredients and in different kinds of solutions, whether those solutions are acidic or alkaline.

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