Food & Beverage
The Best Brands of Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is most commonly used for making ice cream, salad dressings, and puddings. It is made from corn, wheat, or potato starch after the polysaccharide carbohydrate has been broken down by enzymes. The enzyme is extracted from bacteria cultures in a manufacturing process that involves acids, salts, and alcohols. This leaves behind xanthan gum which can be ground into a powder form.
Let’s take a look at the best brands of xanthan gum out there today:
9. Bob’s Red Mill Organic Xanthan Gum
This organic xanthan gum comes in a four-pound bag. It is certified kosher and non-GMO, which means it is free of genetically modified organisms. This product has been praised for its quality and purity by many customers who believe that they are getting what they pay for when they buy this brand of xanthan gum. Many believe that the flavor is not as strong compared to other brands on the market today—which may be a good thing for those who are new to using this ingredient in their cooking.
8. It’s Just Xanthan Gum
This is a 100% pure xantham gum product that comes in 500-gram containers. It can be used in any recipes that call for a thickening agent and it will help you to reduce oil or fat content by up to 30%. The price per pound on this item is very affordable, making it one of the best value products out there. This product also has no gluten ingredients and is kosher certified as well as being Non-GMO verified.
7. Anthony’s Xanthan Gum
Anthony’s Xanthan Gum is made in the USA and has no artificial ingredients or preservatives. It contains a natural source of live bacteria that helps to preserve it longer upon opening but must be refrigerated after opening for up to 8 months. This brand is ideal for cooking as well as baking cakes and cookies. You can also use this product as an emulsifier or thickener in sauces, salad dressings, soups, and gravies. The gum itself comes packaged inside a glass jar and is safe to use in gluten-free recipes. This brand is also suitable for vegan diets.
6. Judee’s Xanthan Gum
Judee’s xanthan gum comes in a convenient 32 oz. the size that is great for commercial use as well as home kitchens. Mixing instructions are printed on the back of each container and you can even purchase it in bulk if you need more than one package at a time. This High Fiber brand has been around since 1980 and they pride themselves on their quality products, customer service, experience, and knowledge about food processing techniques. You’ll feel good about what you’re eating when you buy this product knowing it’s based on the highest standards in quality and taste. You’ll get all that plus an affordable price too.
5. Kate Naturals Xanthan Gum
A quick note about the Kate Naturals brand. There are two different versions of this same product, one for dry mixes and soups and the other is for wet mixtures such as icing or salad dressings. They contain the same xantham gum but they also have different amounts of it in them. This can make a difference in your choice when you buy Kate Naturals products online as well as how long they last before they expire. The dry mix has 2% xanthan gum in it and the wet mix has 3.5%. It is important to buy the correct product because a teaspoon of the dry mix can be equal to 2 teaspoons of wet mix.
This xanthan gum product contains no added salt, sugar, or yeast so it is perfect for those people who need a gluten-free diet. The Kate Naturals Xanthan Gum comes in a 4-ounce jar with an airtight lid that keeps your product fresh until you are ready to use it. The product is used in wet mixtures like salad dressings, sauces, and soups to thicken them up without adding extra calories or fat.
4. US Farmers Dry Xanthan Gum
This xanthan gum product from US Farmers is a white powder that can be used in both hot and cold foods. It provides the same thickening power as cornstarch but does not need to be cooked before use or thicken slowly like other products. The 4 lb bag will cost you about $15 online.
3. Cuisine-Tech Xanthan Gum
Cuisine-Tech Xantham gum is a finely ground powder that has no bitter aftertaste. It is great for making ice cream, sauces, and mayonnaise due to its high viscosity. The non-GMO product does not contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives. Cuisine-Tech also makes xanthan flour which can be added to batters and doughs in order to add volume without affecting the texture of the final dish. Other products available from Cuisine-Tech include xanthan gum flakes, as well as a product for making hot and cold sauces.
2. LorAnn Oils Xantham Gum
This is our number one pick. It has no sugar and it’s gluten-free! Why not get the best? This xanthan gum by LorAnn Oils is kosher certified, so you know that you are eating foods that are safe to consume. If you’re looking for a way to add some thickness to your cooking, this xanthan gum will do just the trick. The consistency of your food will be much better than before with this great product. It is also made in the USA.
1. NOW Foods
NOW Foods Xanthan Gum is a good quality, low-cost xanthan gum brand. It comes in 2 lb and 16 oz packages, which is more than enough for most home and commercial purposes. This product uses no fillers or additives like salt or sugar; it’s pure xanthan gum with nothing else added to the mix.
Xantham gum is a versatile product that adds value to many products. Xantham gum can be used in combination with other gums as well as starches and cereals for added benefits. It has great emulsifying properties which make it an ideal additive for foods that need stability. Products made with xanthan may also have improved moisture retention, texture, mouthfeel, and body when compared to products without this thickener.
Buyer beware! This natural product does have some disadvantages to using it. Some people may be allergic to xantham gum and there are no long-term studies on the safety of consuming this product. It is also not recommended for use with people who have high blood cholesterol levels, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome.