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What is Xanthan Gum or INS 415?
Xanthan gum is produced by the fermentation of glucose and sucrose and is a popular gluten free food additive made from fermentation of sugar that produces a broth or goo-like substance and is mostly used in powdered form after drying. It is an effective emulsifier, thickening agent and stabilizer.
What are the other names this ingredient is also known as ?
Natural Xanthan Gum, Stabilizer (415), Stabilizer (E415), Thickening Agent (E415), Thickening Agent (INS 415), Vegetable Gum (415), Vegetable Gum (E415), E415, Edible Gum (E415), Emulsifier (E415), Emulsifier (INS 415), Emulsifier & Stabilizers E415, Emulsifying & Stabilizing Agent (INS 415), Emulsifying & Stabilizing Agents (E415), Emulsifying agent E415, Food Grade Xanthan Gum (Stabilising Agent E415), Gum Blend (Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum)
What products is it used in?
Xanthan Gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in foods, to create light foam and hence can be found in sauces, mayonnaise, dressings, coffee, poultry products, confectionery products and in baking is used as a way to achieve gluten-free baking as it provides it with stickiness that gluten wold otherwise provide. Additionally it can also be found in toothpastes, in cosmectics it is used to create water-gel based creams and lotions and industrial products like fungicides, herbicides and adhesives.
What is the source of this ingredient?
Xanthan gum is considered natural. It is produced through fermentation by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. While the production process involves microbial fermentation, xanthan gum is not synthesized from petrochemicals or other artificial sources, categorizing it as a natural thickening and stabilizing agent in the food industry. As it is derived from the fermentation of plant based materials like glucose and sucrose, it is considered vegan and vegetarian.
Is this ingredient bad for me?
It is linked to many digestive health concerns such as altered gut bacteria health, increased bowel movements, gas and has been linked to respiratory diseases and allergies
What should I do?
It’s okay to consume in moderation.
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