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