Xanthan Gum, 227 gm (8oz)

Xanthan gum is a popular food-grade ingredient used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various food products. It is derived through the fermentation of carbohydrates by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. This white to off-white powder is widely used in gluten-free baking, sauces, dressings, dairy products, and beverages to improve texture, prevent separation, and enhance viscosity.

Key Benefits and Uses:

• Thickening Agent: Used to increase the viscosity of liquids without significantly altering their taste or appearance. Commonly found in soups, sauces, and salad dressings.
• Gluten-Free Baking: Helps to mimic the texture and elasticity of gluten in gluten-free recipes, providing better structure to dough and batter.
• Emulsifier: Assists in stabilizing emulsions, preventing the separation of ingredients in products like mayonnaise, ice cream, and dressings.
• Stabilizes Suspensions: Keeps solid particles suspended in liquids, often used in beverages, juices, and dairy products like yogurt.
• Low-Calorie and Safe: Xanthan gum is a low-calorie ingredient, and since it's used in very small amounts, it doesn't contribute significantly to the overall caloric content of food. It's generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Usage Tips:

• Dosage: Typically used in small quantities (0.5-1.5% of the total recipe), as even small amounts can significantly thicken or stabilize.
• Hydration: To avoid clumping, xanthan gum should be thoroughly mixed with dry ingredients before being added to liquids.
• Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place in a sealed container to maintain its effectiveness.

Applications:

• Gluten-Free Baking: Xanthan gum helps gluten-free doughs and batters achieve a more desirable texture and consistency.
• Dairy Products: Ideal for improving texture and mouthfeel in dairy products such as ice cream, kefir, and yogurt.
• Sauces and Dressings: Used to thicken and stabilize sauces, gravies, and salad dressings without altering their flavor.

Overall, xanthan gum is an essential ingredient in many food products, especially for individuals seeking gluten-free options or those needing stabilized or thickened food formulations