xanthan

American  

[zan-thuhn] / ˈzæn θən /

noun

Nutrition.

1. a water-soluble natural gum produced by the fermentation of sugar with certain microorganisms and used as a binder, extender, or stabilizer in foods and other products.

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Etymology

Origin of xanthan

1960–65; probably Xanth(omonas campestris) bacterium which produces the gum + -an, variant of -ane

Example Sentences

As reported in Nature Biomedical Engineering, the key to preventing organoids from clumping was xanthan gum, a widely used food additive.

From Science Daily • Oct. 18, 2025

The bakery is not only free from gluten and the other seven most common allergens, but also free from rice, corn, potatoes and xanthan gum.

From Seattle Times • May 16, 2023

These include everything from cornstarch and arrowroot to xanthan gum and good ol' gelatin.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2023

In a large bowl, lightly whisk together the flour mix, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, xanthan gum, allspice, cloves, orange peel and salt until combined.

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2022

Stuff like xanthan gum, which is made from bacteria; Carbopol, which is an acrylic polymer like house paint; and gelatin, which is made from cow cartilage.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman