What is Xantham Gum

The other day, I decided to work on a shopping list for Tempura ingredients. I wanted to get potatoes starch but my local store only had cornstarch. After a quick Google search, I found out that I could use cornstarch. Yes, that isn’t the point of this post. Don’t worry, we are getting there. So, I go to add cornstarch to the list and notice Xantham Gum. My first thought was, what is this? Second, you can just buy this at the store?

So, What Is It?

For starters Xantham Gum is a gluten free thickening agent that’s used as an additive in various industries. Simply put it’s sugar that’s fermented with specific bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. Appearance wise, it could pass for flour, because it’s a carb. By the way, Xantham Gum used in processed food,  medicine, and toothpaste. So, why can someone buy it straight out from a grocery store?

Is There A Domestic Use For This?

Well, Xantham Gum helps extended the shelf life of the item it’s mixed in. So, there’s domestic use for it, like sending baked goods to family and friends. Let’s be honest, timely shipping isn’t always guaranteed. Plus it helps with firmness. I can understand why some home bakers use it. Aside from that, Xantham Gum is Vegan, Keto Friendly, and Gluten Free, which makes it an ideal binding agent for restrictive lifestyles.

Final Thoughts

Personally, I haven’t used Xantham Gum before. However, I am open to it. Fall is my favorite season to bake. Summer heat makes me lean on bakeries more than my own kitchen. Aside from care packages, I don’t see a need for me to use it right now.