xanthan gum

noun

xan·​than gum ˈzan-thən- 

: a polysaccharide that is produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by a gram-negative bacterium (Xanthomonas campestris) and is a thickening and suspending agent used especially in pharmaceuticals and prepared foods

called also xanthan

Examples of xanthan gum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Doing so builds better structure and, if your mixture contains xanthan gum, ensures the ultrafine powder is dispersed evenly. —Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 15 Mar. 2024

The Huy Fong was noticeably thicker, perhaps courtesy of a bit more xanthan gum, a stabilizing ingredient listed on both bottles? —Emily Heil, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024

Using it for vegan meringue, for example, requires a powerful mixer and a stabilizing agent like cream of tartar or xanthan gum. —Charlotte Druckman, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2024

Guar gum: The ground endosperm of the guar bean, it can be used like xanthan gum in doughs to improve texture, but it also is used in dairy and meat products as a thickener or binder. —Nina Lincoff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024

While some bars use substances like agar-agar and xanthan gum to create eggless foams and froths, some of those require nitrous-oxide siphons or other equipment. —M. Carrie Allan, Charlotte Observer, 29 Jan. 2024

There are differences in equipment, and in ice size and quality that are hard to account for, and with the xanthan gum even more so. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2023

In a medium saucepan, combine the shortening, honey, water, vinegar, roasted red peppers, mustard, habaneros, garlic, oranges, onion, salt, Cajun and chicken seasonings, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and xanthan gum. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 5 Apr. 2023

In non-dairy varieties of Reddi-Wip, the cream is replaced by vegetable oil, which has an even higher fat content, along with an array of synthetic additives (polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearates, sodium stearoyl-2, lactylate, xanthan gum, and lecithin). —Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Nov. 2022

Word History

Etymology

xanth- (in New Latin Xanthomonas, bacterial genus name, from xantho- xantho- + -monas, combining form used in the generic names of microorganisms, borrowed from Greek monad-, monás "single item, unit") + -an entry 3 — more at monad

Note: The suffix in an earlier variant xantham, if not a misspelling, is unexplained.

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

xanthan gum

noun

xan·​than gum ˈzan-thən- 

: a polysaccharide that is produced by fermentation of carbohydrates by a bacterium (Xanthomonas campestris) and is a thickening and suspending agent used especially in pharmaceuticals and prepared foods

called also xanthan