Xanthan Gum Uses

One of the key xanthan gum uses is as a thickener. Besides, there are many other uses of xanthan gum. In scientific terms, xanthan gum can be described as a polysaccharide. It consists of a long chain of multiple number of sugars or saccharides. Basically, it is derived from corn syrup with the help of fermentation process. It got its name ‘xanthan’ from the name of the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris which is used for fermenting the glucose present in the corn syrup. During fermentation, the bacteria breaks down the complex molecules of corn sugar into simple molecules which appear as a colorless viscous matter with properties very similar to that of cornstarch. This substance is referred to as xanthan gum.
What is Xanthan Gum Used For?
Xanthan gum is available in liquid and powdered form and is used as a thickening agent in various food products. It has excellent binding properties which is not affected by change in temperature. Moreover, it is soluble in both hot and cold water. The best part of using this gum as a food additives is that it blends well with the food substance without changing its color or flavor.
The uses of xanthan gum is not confined to foods and beverages. It is widely used in several cosmetic products as a binder. It is used in creamy products to prevent separation of ingredients present in the cream. It is safe for the skin and has excellent skin hydrating properties. It is often used in all such products where a gel-like consistency is needed. There are some toothpastes which have xanthan gum content. It is used to give the toothpaste a uniform consistency. Xanthan gum is a popular choice for cosmetic manufacturers mainly because it can show best effects even when used in small amounts.
The most common use of xanthan gum is as a stabilizing agent for salad dressings, sauces and pastry filling. Xanthan gum can keep solid particles like spices in suspended form. When it is added to no-fat or low fat dairy products, it brings a fatty feel to the food. It is used in ice creams to prevent formation of ice crystals in them. It also adds a nice texture to the ice creams. It is a key component of commercial egg substitute which consists of egg whites. It acts as a substitute for the fat and emulsifier properties of egg yolk. It is used for thickening liquids like soups for feeding people with swallowing disorder.
Though the use of xanthan gum in oil industry is not widely known, but you will be surprised to know that a large amount of this gum is being used in this industry. Here, it is used as a lubricant in oil well pumps. Actually, water is being used in these pumps to improve lubrication. As water does not have a high viscosity, xanthan gum is added to it to make it thick.
These are the main xanthan gum uses. Even though bacteria is used in the making of this gum, it does not have any harmful effect on the digestive system. When it is used in skin care products it does not cause any harm to the skin. However, those people who are allergic to corn should strictly avoid xanthan gum. For them, some suitable xanthan gum substitutes are guar gum, gum arabic, gum tragacanth, etc.
For making various gluten free food products like bread, cake, pasta, etc. xanthan gum is added to the gluten-free wheat flour to increase the strength and sticky feeling of the batter. While using xanthan gum as thickeners for baking, you have to use it in the same amount as the flour. Excess use can make the dough thin and it will not bake properly. Those who have gluten allergy look for this ingredient on the label of the gluten free product as it gives a nice feel while eating. One cannot make out that gluten is absent from the food.