| E-Number | E415 |
| FDA Status | FDA classifies xanthan gum as GRAS (21 CFR 172.695). No ADI established. Widely used and considered safe at current usag… |
| EFSA Status | EFSA approved with no numerical ADI ('acceptable' at current use levels). Re-evaluated in 2017. |
| Severity | Moderate Risk (6/10) |
A polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars (typically from corn) by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. Used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a wide range of foods. It is especially popular in gluten-free baking as a substitute for the binding properties of gluten.
Xanthan gum is a soluble fiber that forms a viscous gel when mixed with water. It is not digested by human enzymes and is fermented by gut bacteria in the colon. At high doses, it can cause digestive symptoms (bloating, gas, diarrhea) due to its fermentability. Some individuals with corn allergies may react to xanthan gum derived from corn substrates.
FDA classifies xanthan gum as GRAS (21 CFR 172.695). No ADI established. Widely used and considered safe at current usage levels. FDA issued a safety alert in 2011 regarding SimplyThick (a xanthan gum-based thickener) linked to necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants.
EFSA approved with no numerical ADI ('acceptable' at current use levels). Re-evaluated in 2017.
| # | Product | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FROSTED STRAWBERRY TOASTER PASTRIES, FROSTED STRAWBERRY | The Kellogg Company | 0/100 |
| 2 | MEAT TRIO PIZZA ITALIAN SAUSAGE, BEEF PATTY CRUMBLE & PREMIUM DELI STYLE PEPPERONI, MEDIUM | Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. | 0/100 |
| 3 | Lucky Charms Soft Baked Treats | GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. | 0/100 |
| 4 | FROOT LOOPS FLAVOR TOASTER PASTRIES, FROOT LOOPS | The Kellogg Company | 0/100 |
| 5 | Kellogg's Pop-Tarts Chocolate Chip 14.7oz | Kellogg Company US | 0/100 |
| 6 | STUFFED GRILLED CHEESE | Heinz Frozen Food Company | 0/100 |
| 7 | STUFFED GRILLED CHEESE | Heinz Frozen Food Company | 0/100 |
| 8 | LUNCHABLES COOKIE DUNKS | Kraft Heinz Foods Company | 0/100 |
| 9 | Xtreme Wellness Tortilla Wraps | Ole | 0/100 |
| 10 | Spinach & Herb Tortilla Wraps | Olé | 0/100 |
Showing top 10 of 2225 products. Download CheckIt AI to scan any product.
Average safety score for products containing Xanthan Gum: 57/100
Join health-conscious shoppers. Every week: worst products to avoid, cleanest new finds, and FDA recall alerts.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Point your camera at any food label and instantly know if it contains Xanthan Gum.
Download CheckIt AI — Scan Free →⚕️ This page provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.
See what's really in your food
Scan any food label instantly. No barcode needed. 26,000+ products scored.
Download Free on the App Store →Free · No credit card required · Works on iPhone & Android
CheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is Xanthan Gum? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/xanthan-gum"What Is Xanthan Gum? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-08. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/xanthan-gum.<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/xanthan-gum">What Is Xanthan Gum? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>@misc{checkit2026ingredientsxanthangum,
title = {What Is Xanthan Gum? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI},
author = {CheckIt AI},
year = {2026},
publisher = {Climaverse PBC},
url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/xanthan-gum},
note = {Retrieved 2026-03-08}
}