Can xanthan gum cause allergies?

Yes, individuals allergic to corn, soy, or wheat may react to xanthan gum, depending on the source of the sugar used in fermentation.

What is xanthan gum used for in cooking?

Xanthan gum is used to thicken and stabilize foods, often improving the texture of gluten-free and vegan recipes.

Is Xanthan Gum Vegan?

Caution

Xanthan gum (also called e415) is a thickening agent made by fermenting corn sugar and bacteria. Sometimes, animal dervied enzymes, especially egg, may be used in the processing stage.

Xanthan Gum and the Vegan Diet

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide created through the fermentation of corn sugar by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is widely used in the food industry as a stabilizer and thickener, improving texture and viscosity in a variety of products. The ingredient is often found in gluten-free and vegan products due to its ability to mimic the viscosity and elasticity provided by gluten.

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