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Ingredient Guide

What is Xanthan gum (E415)?

GoodFood ingredients

Also known as: Xanthan Gum, E415, Ksantan sakızı

Short answer

Xanthan gum (E415) is a natural thickener made by fermentation; it is used to thicken sauces, ice cream, gluten-free products and drinks. It is considered safe and behaves like a kind of soluble fiber. In very large amounts it may cause gas/bloating, but at normal intake it is fine.

What is Xanthan gum (E415) and what does it do?

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide (long sugar chain) produced by a bacterium fermenting sugar. Even a tiny amount thickens liquids and holds ingredients together, which is why it is used in everything from gluten-free bread to salad dressing.

Benefits

It is a safe, natural fermentation-derived and very efficient thickener; a small amount does the job. It behaves like a kind of soluble fiber and helps replace the structure gluten gives in gluten-free products.

What to watch for

It is considered safe at permitted levels; EFSA's re-evaluation reported no health concern. One practical note: in very large amounts (far more than normal food) its soluble-fiber effect can cause gas, bloating or loose stools. At the normal amounts in food this is not expected.

How to use it

No special precaution is needed; xanthan gum is a safe additive. When you see it in processed food there is no need to worry; it is just a technical ingredient showing the product is processed.

Products containing Xanthan gum (E415)

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Frequently asked

Is xanthan gum harmful?

No, it is considered safe at permitted levels. It may only cause gas/bloating in excessive amounts.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, xanthan gum itself is gluten-free and is often used to give structure in gluten-free products.

What is it made from?

It is produced by a bacterium fermenting sugar; the result is a natural polysaccharide (soluble-fiber-like) structure.

Sources

This page is for general information; it is not medical/dietary advice. Personal suitability varies by skin type, allergies and health status.