What is xanthan gum?

Jasmine Uchi, PharmD
2 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 21 hours ago

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?

Can xanthan gum replace cornstarch?

Is xanthan gum halal?

Can xanthan gum replace gelatin?

Is xanthan gum bad for you?

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.

For those living with Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS), paying close attention to ingredients is part of daily life. Although no peer-reviewed studies directly link xanthan gum to AGS reactions, some individuals report symptoms like bloating, gas, or diarrhea. If these occur, it may be worth avoiding products that contain xanthan gum.

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.

Disclaimer: The product and/or information provided on Pill Clarity is of a general nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not lab test the products to confirm that they are free from animal ingredients, and it is possible that the formulation and ingredients could have changed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or product. The information provided in this post is accurate and up to date as of the date it was written. However, please note that circumstances and facts may change over time, and new information may become available that could alter the accuracy or relevance of the content. We encourage readers to verify and cross-reference any information provided here with trusted sources or consult relevant professionals for the most current and accurate updates.

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