What is xanthan gum?

Jasmine Uchi, PharmD
Jun 12
4 min read

Updated: Jun 15

Xanthan gum is a popular ingredient used to thicken, stabilize, and improve the texture of foods, personal care items, and even some medications. Made through fermentation—a natural process also used to create wine and cheese—it turns into a fine, odorless powder that forms a gel when mixed with water. Xanthan gum has been approved by health authorities for decades and is considered safe for most people. While it is not digestible and offers no nutritional value, it can help slow digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. Though rare, some individuals with sensitive stomachs or food allergies may want to check the source ingredients, as xanthan gum is sometimes derived from corn, wheat, or soy.

What is xanthan gum used for?

Xanthan gum is incredibly versatile. It can improve the texture, stability, and appearance of a wide range of products. Its most common functions include:

Thickening liquids to make them feel more substantial
Stabilizing mixtures so ingredients stay blended together
Helping oil and water combine more easily

Examples of Xanthan Gum Applications

Industry	Function	Examples
Food	Acts as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier	Salad dressings, sauces, gluten-free baked goods
Pharmaceuticals	Suspends active ingredients, stabilizes formulations, and controls drug release	Oral suspensions, lozenges, topical gels, eye drops
Cosmetics	Thickens and stabilizes emulsions, improving texture and consistency	Creams, lotions, toothpaste, facial cleansers
Agriculture	Improves suspension and sprayability, reduces drift, and enhances adherence	Animal feed additives, pesticide formulations
Textile printing and dyeing	Controls flow properties and prevents dye migration	Printing pastes, fabric dye formulations
Ceramic glazes	Prevents clumping and improves consistency during processing	Clay-based coatings and glazes
Petroleum production	Reduces friction and acts as a lubricant in drilling operations	Oil and gas well drilling fluids
Enhanced oil recovery	Increases viscosity to reduce water movement and improve oil extraction	Secondary recovery systems in petroleum fields

Xanthan Gum in Pharmaceuticals

According to DailyMed, over 8,000 pharmaceutical products contain xanthan gum. Its widespread use is due to its stability and function as a suspending agent, thickener, and binder—especially in controlled-release formulations that help improve medication adherence. While generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort. Pill Clarity offers free support in identifying xanthan gum–free alternatives and can assist with questions about medication ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xanthan Gum

Are xanthan gum and guar gum the same?

No, but they are often used for the same purpose in the food and pharmaceutical industries, which is to thicken, stabilize or emulsify products.

Are xanthan gum and cornstarch the same thing?

No, but they are both often used as thickeners in cooking and baking.

Can xanthan gum replace cornstarch?

Xanthan gum and cornstarch are sometimes interchangeable, but it depends on the intended use. Xanthan gum is commonly used in gluten-free baking because it helps mimic the structure and elasticity typically provided by gluten, whereas cornstarch is less effective in this role. However, when it comes to thickening smooth mixtures like pudding, cornstarch may produce a better texture than xanthan gum. It is also important to note that these ingredients are not used in equal amounts. Xanthan gum is much more concentrated, so significantly less is needed compared to cornstarch.

Is xanthan gum halal?

Yes, xanthan gum is typically made without animal-derived ingredients. However, for added assurance and to avoid potential cross-contamination, choosing halal-certified or vegan-labeled products is recommended.

Can xanthan gum replace gelatin?

Xanthan gum can sometimes replace gelatin for thickening liquids, but it doesn’t work well in recipes that require a firm, gel-like texture, such as gummies or jello.

Is xanthan gum bad for you?

Xanthan gum is generally considered safe by the FDA, EFSA, and WHO when used in typical amounts found in food and medications. However, some people have reported sensitivities, such as bloating or digestive discomfort. Since xanthan gum can be derived from common allergens like corn, soy, or wheat, it may be a concern for those with specific allergies. Checking ingredient sources can be helpful if you have sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

Xanthan gum plays an important role in maintaining consistency, stability, and texture in many everyday products, including food, cosmetics, and medications. While it is generally considered safe by major health agencies, its plant-based origins—such as corn, soy, or wheat—can be a concern for individuals with allergies or dietary restrictions.

Because this ingredient appears in so many formulations, identifying safe alternatives is not always straightforward. Being able to check for potential allergens and understand ingredient sources can make a meaningful difference for people managing sensitivities.

Co-authored by: Janna-Tessa Coria Mozannar

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