What Is Xanthan Gum? Safety, Risks & Alternatives

⚡ Quick Facts

E-NumberE415
FDA StatusFDA classifies xanthan gum as GRAS (21 CFR 172.695). No ADI established. Widely used and considered safe at current usag…
EFSA StatusEFSA approved with no numerical ADI ('acceptable' at current use levels). Re-evaluated in 2017.
SeverityModerate Risk (6/10)

What Is Xanthan Gum?

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.

Mechanism of Action

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.

Why People Avoid Xanthan Gum

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA

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

EFSA approved with no numerical ADI ('acceptable' at current use levels). Re-evaluated in 2017.

Regulatory Timeline

1969 FDA approves xanthan gum for food use
1969 USDA approves for use in meat and poultry products
2011 FDA warns against SimplyThick (xanthan gum thickener) use in premature infants
2017 EFSA re-evaluates, maintains approval with no safety concerns

Products Containing Xanthan Gum (10 found)

#ProductBrandScore
1MARKET PANTRY, MAYONNAISE DRESSING, EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OILTarget Stores20/100
2FRUIT & GRAIN CEREAL BARSWal-Mart Stores, Inc.20/100
3EGG, SAUSAGE, CHEESE & POTATO BURRITOS, EGG, SAUSAGE, CHEESE & POTATOEL MONTEREY24/100
4Banquet Salisbury Steak with Creamy Mashed Potatoes & Cinnamon Apple Dessert, Frozen Meal, 11.88 oz.Conagra Brands, Inc24/100
5Quest Protein BarQuest Overload Sunday24/100
6CLASSIC ALFREDO PASTA SAUCE, CLASSIC ALFREDOWal-Mart Stores, Inc.24/100
7quest protein barQuest24/100
8plant-based protein supplementEquate24/100
9ORIGINAL WHIPPED CREAM CHEESE SPREAD, ORIGINALKraft Heinz Foods Company26/100
10CHOCOLATE CREME GLUTEN-FREE SANDWICH COOKIES, CHOCOLATE CREMEWal-Mart Stores, Inc.28/100

Average safety score for products containing Xanthan Gum: 24/100

Safer Alternatives

✅
Guar gum
✅
Psyllium husk
✅
Chia seeds (ground)
✅
Flaxseed meal
✅
Agar-agar

Scientific Sources

  1. EFSA (2017). Re-evaluation of xanthan gum (E 415) as a food additive
  2. FDA (2011). FDA Warns Against SimplyThick Use in Premature Infants
  3. Daly et al. (1993). The effect of xanthan gum on gastric emptying. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 38(5), 831-834

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Xanthan Gum?
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.
Is Xanthan Gum safe?
Xanthan Gum is FDA classifies xanthan gum as GRAS (21 CFR 172.695). No ADI established. Widely used and considered . EFSA approved with no numerical ADI ('acceptable' at current use levels). Re-evaluated in 2017..
Where is Xanthan Gum banned?
Xanthan Gum is not currently banned in any major market according to our database.
What are alternatives to Xanthan Gum?
Safer alternatives to Xanthan Gum include: Guar gum, Psyllium husk, Chia seeds (ground), Flaxseed meal, Agar-agar.
How can I avoid Xanthan Gum?
Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag Xanthan Gum and suggest safer alternatives.
What foods contain Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan Gum is commonly found in: Salad dressings, Sauces, Gluten-free baked goods, Ice cream, Toothpaste, Cosmetics. Our database has flagged it in 10 products.
What are the side effects of Xanthan Gum?
Concerns about Xanthan Gum include: Can cause bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort at high doses; Derived from corn fermentation — concern for corn-allergic individuals; FDA safety alert regarding use in premature infants (SimplyThick, 2011).
Is Xanthan Gum natural or artificial?
Xanthan Gum is derived from natural sources. Xanthan gum is a soluble fiber that forms a viscous gel when mixed with water. It is not digested by human enzymes and i.
📬

Get Your Free Weekly Clean Food Guide

Join health-conscious shoppers. Every week: worst products to avoid, cleanest new finds, and FDA recall alerts.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Scan Any Product for Xanthan Gum

Point your camera at any food label and instantly know if it contains Xanthan Gum.

Download CheckIt AI — Scan Free →

Related Ingredients

Compare Xanthan Gum

Xanthan Gum vs CarrageenanXanthan Gum vs Guar GumXanthan Gum vs Gellan GumXanthan Gum vs Agar (Agar-Agar)Xanthan Gum vs PectinXanthan Gum vs Locust Bean Gum (Carob Gum)
Red 40 (Allura Red AC)Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow FCF)AspartameBHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)Sodium NitriteCarrageenan 📱 Xanthan Gum Scanner App Ingredient Comparisons All Ingredients Ingredients Banned in Europe Scoring Methodology

⚕️ This page provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

Scanner Apps

Gluten Scanner AppDairy Scanner AppSeed Oil Scanner AppPeanut Allergy Scanner AppADHD Food Scanner AppIBS Food Scanner AppPregnancy Food Scanner AppCarnivore Diet Scanner AppKeto Scanner AppPaleo Scanner AppVegan Scanner AppCeliac Scanner AppMigraine Food Scanner AppKidney Diet Scanner AppCrohn's Food Scanner AppThyroid Scanner AppPCOS Food Scanner AppGout Food Scanner AppEczema Food Scanner AppToddler Food Scanner AppHeart Health Scanner AppAthlete Nutrition Scanner AppAcne Food Scanner AppFODMAP Scanner AppAIP Scanner AppMold Toxin Scanner AppHistamine Scanner AppOxalate Scanner AppNightshade Scanner AppSoy Scanner AppCorn Scanner AppEgg Allergy Scanner AppTree Nut Scanner AppShellfish Allergy Scanner AppSulfite Scanner AppSalicylate Scanner AppLectin Scanner AppSugar-Free Scanner AppLow Sodium Scanner AppMediterranean Diet Scanner AppWhole30 Scanner AppDiabetic Food Scanner AppColitis Food Scanner AppIC Food Scanner AppLupus Food Scanner AppHashimoto's Scanner AppEndometriosis Food Scanner AppAutoimmune Food Scanner AppBaby Formula Scanner AppPet Food Scanner AppSenior Nutrition Scanner AppOzempic Food Scanner AppWegovy Food Scanner AppMounjaro Food Scanner AppUltra-Processed Food ScannerHalal Food Scanner AppKosher Food Scanner AppAnti-Inflammatory Scanner AppCandida Diet Scanner AppSIBO Food Scanner AppLeaky Gut Scanner AppCholesterol Food Scanner AppBlood Pressure Scanner AppWeight Loss Food Scanner AppPesticide Food Scanner AppHeavy Metal Scanner AppPFAS Food Scanner AppBreastfeeding Food Scanner AppAutism Food Scanner AppFertility Food Scanner AppGAPS Diet Scanner AppElimination Diet Scanner AppLow Carb Scanner AppNanny Food Scanner AppGrocery Store Scanner AppFood Allergy Scanner AppDye-Free Food Scanner AppMuscle Building Scanner AppMarathon Runner Scanner AppKids Food Scanner AppFood Sensitivity Scanner AppClean Label Scanner AppFSA/HSA Food Scanner AppWhole Food Scanner AppDog Food Scanner AppCat Food Scanner App

Ingredient Safety

Red 40Yellow 5Yellow 6AspartameBHABHTSodium NitriteCarrageenanSucraloseTitanium DioxidePotassium BromateHigh Fructose Corn SyrupMSGSodium BenzoateTBHQPolysorbate 80Red 3Caramel ColorSoy LecithinNatural FlavorsAcesulfame-KMaltodextrinXanthan GumGuar GumCitric AcidErythritolBlue 1Propyl GallateMono & DiglyceridesPectinAcacia GumAgarAnnattoAutolyzed YeastAzodicarbonamideBVOCalcium PropionateCarnauba WaxCelluloseDATEMDisodium InosinateGellan GumKonjacLocust Bean GumMethylcelluloseSodium AlginateSodium Aluminum PhosphateTragacanth Gum

Food Safety Answers

Is Red 40 Banned in Europe?What Foods Have Seed Oils?Is Carrageenan Safe?Worst Food AdditivesIs BHA Safe?Does Gatorade Have Food Dye?Titanium Dioxide in FoodIs Aspartame Safe?Is Sodium Nitrite Dangerous?Is MSG Bad for You?What Is HFCS?Is Sucralose Safe?Food Dye Banned in Europe?Is Potassium Bromate Banned?What Is Natural Flavors?Is Soy Lecithin Bad?Is Maltodextrin Bad?Is Xanthan Gum Safe?Is Red 3 Banned?Is TBHQ Bad?Foods Banned in Other CountriesIs Citric Acid Bad?What Is Polysorbate 80?Is Caramel Color Safe?Is Palm Oil Bad?What Is Cellulose in Food?Is Acesulfame-K Safe?Is Erythritol Safe?Is Guar Gum Safe?Is Food in America Safe?Cheerios & PesticidesBest Food Scanner AppHow to Read Food LabelsIs Yellow 5 Safe?Are Preservatives Bad?Artificial Sweetener SafetyIs Canola Oil Bad?Hidden Names for SugarFoods That Cause InflammationIs Annatto Safe?Is Azodicarbonamide Safe?Is Calcium Propionate Safe?Is Carnauba Wax Safe?Is Gelatin Halal?Is Locust Bean Gum Safe?Mono & Diglycerides SafetyIs Pectin Safe?Propylene Glycol in FoodWhat Is Agar Agar?What Is BVO?What Is DATEM?What Is Sodium Alginate?What Is Sodium Benzoate?

Cleanest Rankings

Cleanest Protein BarsCleanest CerealCleanest YogurtCleanest ChipsCleanest SnacksCleanest BreadCleanest SaucesCleanest JuiceCleanest CookiesCleanest CandyCleanest Ice CreamCleanest PastaCleanest Baby FoodCleanest Energy DrinksCleanest Protein PowderCleanest Frozen MealsCleanest CondimentsCleanest SodaCleanest Pet Food

Free-From Finder

Protein Bars Without Seed OilsCereal Without Artificial ColorsSnacks Without PreservativesYogurt Without Artificial SweetenersChips Without Seed OilsCookies Without Artificial ColorsCandy Without Artificial ColorsSoda Without Artificial SweetenersFrozen Meals Without MSGBaby Food Without SugarEnergy Drinks Without SweetenersProtein Bars Without SweetenersSnacks Without Seed OilsCereal Without SugarBread Without PreservativesIce Cream Without CarrageenanPasta Without Gluten

Store Scan Results

Costco Protein Bars RankedWalmart Cereal RankedTarget Snacks RankedWhole Foods Yogurt RankedKroger Bread RankedAldi Snacks RankedCostco Snacks RankedWalmart Chips RankedTarget Cookies RankedTrader Joe's Snacks RankedWhole Foods Bread RankedWalmart Juice RankedTarget Cereal RankedWalmart Bread RankedKroger Snacks RankedAldi Cereal RankedWhole Foods Snacks RankedKroger Cereal RankedAldi Bread RankedTrader Joe's Cereal RankedCostco Bread Ranked

Ingredient Comparisons

Red 40 vs Yellow 5Red 40 vs Yellow 6Aspartame vs SucraloseAspartame vs HFCSBHA vs BHTRed 40 vs AspartameCarrageenan vs Soy LecithinSucralose vs HFCSTBHQ vs BHATBHQ vs BHTRed 40 vs Titanium DioxideRed 40 vs Caramel ColorMSG vs Natural FlavorsSodium Benzoate vs Potassium BromateYellow 5 vs Red 3Polysorbate 80 vs CarrageenanXanthan Gum vs Guar GumRed 40 vs Red 3Erythritol vs SucraloseMaltodextrin vs HFCSAll Ingredient Comparisons

Store Reports

Walmart Report CardTarget Report CardCostco Report CardKroger Report CardWhole Foods Report CardTrader Joe's Report CardAldi Report CardSam's Club Report Card

Original Research

All Research StudiesGrocery Product Safety StudySeed Oil CensusSafest Grocery StoresSchool Lunch Safety ReportMost Common AdditivesBanned Ingredients in US Products

App Comparisons

CheckIt vs YukaCheckIt vs EWGCheckIt vs FooducateCheckIt vs MyFitnessPalCheckIt vs Think DirtyCheckIt vs FigCheckIt vs SooseeCheckIt vs NoomYuka vs EWGYuka vs Fooducate

Guides & Tools

Download CheckIt AIUser ReviewsFood RecallsBanned in EuropeFood Safety ReportIngredient GlossaryStore RankingsIngredient EncyclopediaHealthier Swap FinderOur MethodologyIngredient ComparisonsTopic GuidesAll Food Safety AnswersOpen DataWhat's Really In Your Food
📋 Cite This Data
APACheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is Xanthan Gum? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/xanthan-gum
MLA"What Is Xanthan Gum? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-05. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/xanthan-gum.
HTML Embed<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/xanthan-gum">What Is Xanthan Gum? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>
BibTeX@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 2026-03-05} }