If you’re gluten-free, you may wonder if xanthan gum is safe to eat. This additive is used in many gluten-free recipes to help texture and bind. This blog post will examine xanthan gum and its alternatives for gluten-free baking. Stay tuned for other options for this additive.
What is Xanthan Gum?
If you’re gluten-free, you’ve probably heard of xanthan gum. It’s a common ingredient in gluten-free baking and helps replace gluten’s binding and thickening properties. This by-product is created when a bacteria known as Xanthomonas campestris ferments sugar. Once it’s fermented, the sugar changes into a broth or goo-like consistency, which is made into a solid by adding alcohol. Then the product is dried and turned into powder.
When you add xanthan gum to liquids, it quickly stabilizes and produces viscous solutions. But is xanthan gum safe for food? And what are some alternatives for xanthan gum?
Where is Xanthan Gum Used?
As we mentioned, you can find Xanthan gum as a thickener or emulsifier in various food products. For example, you’ll find it in salad dressings, ice cream, sauces, and even some gluten-free baked goods. It’s also often used in cosmetics and personal care products like toothpaste and shampoo.
Food Uses
Generally, Xanthan gum improves the texture, flavor, and shelf life of food. For example, it can make a sauce more creamy by resisting temperature fluctuations and maintaining a stable pH. In gluten-free baking, xanthan gum helps bind ingredients together and produce a dough-like consistency.
Personal Care Products
Xanthan gum is also plentiful in many personal care products; it helps thicken shampoos and conditioners, prevents toothpaste from drying, and gives lotions a creamy texture. You can also find it in cosmetic products like foundation, mascara, and eye shadow.
Industrial Products
Xanthan gum has many industrial uses due to its temperature and pH resistance. For example, it’s often used as a drilling fluid in the oil industry and as a binding agent in ceramics and explosives. It can also make fabrics wrinkle-resistant and increase the viscosity of latex paints.
What Happens to Xanthan Gum in Our Bodies?
When assessing the safety of xanthan gum, scientists discovered that the product is considered soluble fiber. So instead of digesting the product, xanthan gum becomes a gelatinous substance by absorbing water and slows digestion. Ideally, this makes you feel full and slows sugar absorption, but it doesn’t provide any caloric or nutrient benefits.
Is Xanthan Gum Safe?
Scientists have thoroughly researched Xanthan gum since its discovery in 1963 and have deemed it safe for many uses. Some people may have sensitivities to xanthan gum. If you have an allergy or intolerance to corn, you may also be allergic to xanthan gum. Since Xanthan gum comes from other sugar sources, those with these food allergies should avoid it:
- Wheat
- Soy
- Diary
Xanthan gum may cause some people bloating, gas, or diarrhea. So it’s essential to use this ingredient in moderation. In human studies, Xanthan gum can cause:
- Increased frequency of bowel movements
- Softer stools
- Increased Gas
- Altered Gut Bacteria
Zest for Baking Talks Alternatives To Xanthan Gum
While many people enjoy consuming xanthan gum, some may want to avoid it. The by-product only makes up 3% or less of a food product; consumers usually consume less than a gram of it daily. Fortunately, doses 20 times higher than the average consumption rate are approved for use.
Despite the product’s safety, some are forced to consider other alternatives, while some aren’t comfortable consuming something also found in personal hygiene and industrial products. If you’re looking for alternatives for xanthan gum, consider these ingredients:
- Gelatin
- Egg Whites
- Chia seeds and water
If you want to learn more about alternatives to Xanthan gum, Zest for Baking has a guide that discusses different options in more detail. Fortunately, you can find ingredients in this guide for those who have religious, personal, or dietary restrictions.
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