Is Xanthan Gum Vegan? Xanthan gum, found in a variety of products such as baked goods, frozen meals, and salad dressings, is a common food additive.
As a vegan, it can be difficult to determine if an ingredient is safe to consume, and xanthan gum is no exception.
In this article, we will explore what xanthan gum is, and why it is usually vegan.
1. What Is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan gum production involves fermenting simple sugars, primarily glucose from corn, with a bacteria known as Xanthomonas campestris.
This process transforms the sugars into a thick, gooey broth. Subsequently, producers add isopropyl alcohol to the broth, causing it to solidify.
To make xanthan gum, they mix the corn with bacteria to create a slimy liquid. Then they add alcohol to make it solid, and grind it into a powder. This powder can be mixed with water to make things thicker and more stable, like bread, face cream, toothpaste, and gluten-free baked goods.
2. Is Xanthan Gum Vegan
Yes, Xanthan gum is mostly considered vegan because it is produced from plant-based sugars and bacteria.
Although some individuals have proposed the cultivation of xanthan gum on milk-derived sugars or the use of an animal-derived enzyme, there is no substantiated evidence to support these claims.
In fact, research suggests that glucose performs best in terms of quality, supply, and yield of product and that plant-based products provide more consistent results during manufacturing.
Additionally, some vegans have pointed to FDA-regulated egg allergy disclosures as proof that xanthan gum is not vegan.
The production of some xanthan gum on machinery shared with egg products is possible. However, the manufacturer sterilizes the machinery, which significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
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3. FAQs – Xanthan Gum Vegan
No, xanthan gum does not contain gelatin. While both substances stabilize mixtures, xanthan gum is vegan and derived from plants, making it suitable for people with food restrictions and allergies. Using xanthan gum as a substitute is a great way to make your recipes vegan-friendly and inclusive.
Yes, xanthan gum is halal because it comes from plants and is made through fermentation. It is suitable for people who follow halal dietary restrictions to consume.
No, xanthan gum is not naturally derived from foods. It’s actually a food additive commonly found in processed foods.
Xanthan gum can sometimes cause digestive problems like an upset stomach or loose stools, especially when taken in large quantities. However, as a food additive, it’s generally safe for most people to consume in moderate amounts.
4. Summary
As you know, Xanthan gum is a food additive that results from fermenting corn with bacteria, producing a thick liquid.
Xanthan gum is classified as vegan since it originates from plant-based sugars and bacteria, neither of which are animal products.
Manufacturers often add xanthan gum to vegan products such as spreads, salad dressings, baked goods, and frozen meals to enhance the texture and mouthfeel.
