xanthan gum

American  

[zan-thuhn guhm] / ˈzæn θən ˈgʌm /

noun

1. Nutrition. 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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xanthan gum British  

/ ˈzænˌθæn /

noun

1. a complex polysaccharide exuded by colonies of the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris: used as a food additive in salad dressings, dairy products, etc

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xanthan gum Scientific  

/ zăn′thən /

1. A natural gum of high molecular weight produced by fermentation of glucose (usually in the form of corn syrup) with bacteria. Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer in commercial food preparation.

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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

I reached out to my network of friends and extended friends who were celiac to get tips on good gluten-free brands and filled my pantry with alternative flours and xanthan gum.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 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