Xanthan gum is a popular food additive that’s commonly added to foods as a thickener or stabilizer. It’s created when sugar is fermented by a type of bacteria called Xanthomonascampestris. When sugar is fermented, it creates a broth or goo-like substance, which is made solid by adding an alcohol. It is then dried and turned into a powder. Xanthan gum is a substance used in making some foods and medications. It has different effects in these products. It can add thickness, keep textures from changing, and hold ingredients in place.
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide with many industrial uses, including as a common food additive. It is an effective thickening agent and stabilizer to prevent ingredients from separating. It can be produced from different simple sugars using a fermentation process, and derives its name from the strain of bacteria used, Xanthomonascampestris.
Xanthan gum also helps thicken commercial egg substitutes made from egg whites, to replace the fat and emulsifiers found in yolks. It is also a preferred method of thickening liquids for those with swallowing disorders, since it does not change the color or flavor of foods or beverages at typical use levels. It is a heavily used gum for the industrial uses in the food industry. Its thickening and binding qualities make it a very useful cooking aid food additive in bakery products and dairy uses. Xanthan gum is a substance used in making some foods and medications. It has different effects in these products. It can add thickness, keep textures from changing, and hold ingredients in place.
Xanthan gum market size exceeded USD 960 million, in 2019 and is estimated to grow at over 6% CAGR between 2020 and 2026. Increasing prevalence of gluten intolerance and rapid penetration of healthy snacks in food & beverage industry to augment product demand increasing competition in food & beverage sector and rapid shift towards gluten free snacks is likely to boost product demand. Furthermore, changing consumer perceptions on health & nutrition and increasing need for easily digestible solutions may also provide an impetus to xanthan gum market demand.