Xanthan gum is one ingredient that's making a name for itself in gluten free cooking. Used in all sorts of recipes ranging from dressings to muffins, it's a must-have ingredient if you're avoiding gluten. Widely available and easy to work with, in small amounts, xanthan gum works excellent as a thickening agent for sauces, to create light foams and to keep ingredients from separating when making smoothies, dough and batter.
Its neutral flavor mixes well with nearly any cuisine without changing its original taste, and it helps add a smoother texture to liquid-based treats like ice cream. In addition, when combined with gluten free flours, xanthan gum produces a lot of the structure gluten would add, helping doughs keep their intended shape and rise during the baking process.
Now, we understand that using any new baking ingredient can be intimidating, especially when you're not even sure how to pronounce it (zan-than), but there's no need to worry. Xanthan gum is a simple-to-use ingredient that will ensure that your recipes turn out as great as you'd like. Continue reading to learn how to use xanthan gum in your baked goods. From flatbreads to fluffy cakes, we're confident that once you use this ingredient, you'll begin adding it to all of your gluten free recipes.
What Is Xanthan Gum?
So, now that you know the benefits of xanthan gum, you may be wondering where it comes from and what does xanthan gum do? While this ingredient may sound like it was produced in a lab, it's actually pretty natural. Xanthan gum is created when the sugar glucose is fermented with a bacterium found in cabbage known as Xanthomonas campestris.
During fermentation, a white powder is formed that is then sold as xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is unique in its ability to hydrate and disperse at any temperature. Because it does this so quickly, it is one of the few ingredients that you can instantly see results from. However, while xanthan gum powder will work with liquid of any temperature, it may have trouble hydrating if the liquid is overly sugary. This is something to make a note of when creating sweets high in processed sugars.
How Much Xanthan Gum Should You Use?
The amount of xanthan gum needed for each recipe will vary depending on why you're using it. Here are a few of the most common uses for xanthan gum and their respective amounts.
Using Xanthan Gum as a Thickening Agent
Thickening with xanthan gum is easy. To thicken up your recipes, blend the xanthan gum into the liquid that you'd like to thicken, then stir it around, and it will thicken instantly. When used to thicken soups, sauces and creams, the amount of xanthan gum needed will vary depending on the desired consistency. Generally, for thin sauces, a ratio of 0.1% to 0.3% works best. For thicker sauces, a ratio of 0.3% to 1% is commonly used. The more xanthan gum powder added, the thicker your sauce will be. Just be careful not to add too much. Xanthan gum in large amounts will negatively impact the texture of your good and may cause digestive upset.
Making Xanthan Gum Foam
Light foams add texture and flavor to dishes, taking the presentation of the recipe to the next level. As xanthan gum works to thicken liquids, it can also help trap air bubbles and stabilize foams. To make a xanthan gum foam from a liquid, you'll want to begin by thickening the liquid with xanthan gum. This can be done with an immersion or standing blender. Then, once the xanthan gum has been dispersed into the liquid, introduce air to the mixture by whipping or blending it. This will create foam that will add a unique element of texture to your dishes. While xanthan gum foam is firmer when cold, it can be used with hot and cold dishes.
Amount of Xanthan Gum to Use in Baking Recipes
When baking with xanthan gum, there are a few things to consider. First, if you're baking with a pre-made gluten free flour blend, you'll want to check if it has xanthan gum incorporated into it already. For example, our Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour combines a handful of gluten free flours with xanthan gum to take the guesswork out of gluten free baking. If that's the case, then no additional xanthan gum will be needed.
If you're baking with a single gluten free flour like almond flour or creating a blend from scratch, then the amount of xanthan gum needed will vary. Typically for yeasted bread and pizza doughs, 1 teaspoon xanthan gum per cup of flour will be enough. For cakes and muffin recipes, ½ teaspoon xanthan gum per cup of flour is needed.
Where to Buy Xanthan Gum
Luckily, xanthan gum is a widely available product and can be found in nearly every supermarket. Additionally, you can purchase xanthan gum online. Bob's Red Mill Xanthan Gum can be found both online and in certain stores. Use our store locator to check if a product is available near you.
Xanthan Gum Recipes
Now that you know how to bake with, cook and froth xanthan gum, it's time to start using it in your recipes. For example, use xanthan gum to replace gluten in grain-free goods and thicken sauces. Whether you're new to xanthan gum or have been using it for a while, the delicious recipes below are sure to impress you.
Gluten Free Noodles
Pasta is often one of the most common foods we get asked about when following a gluten free diet. While traditional pasta contains gluten and is off-limits for celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, there are ways to make it gluten free. Gluten free pasta can be made in several different ways. However, we've found that the method that produces the most similar results to traditional pasta is using xanthan gum. Using xanthan gum with gluten free flours will help bind the ingredients together and create a pasta dough that can be stretched, molded and dried into any noodle shape you'd like.
To create a bowl of gluten free pasta that everyone at the table will enjoy, try making these Gluten Free Pasta Noodles. Made with just four simple ingredients, this pasta recipe is one that even novice cooks can make with ease. In this recipe, our Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour, Xanthan Gum, eggs and water create a lightly flavored pasta that tastes nearly identical to traditional kinds. In fact, it tastes so similar that those who aren't gluten free won't be able to tell the difference. Top these noodles with everything that you would your typical bowl of pasta, or get creative and make a homemade pasta sauce to pair with it
Everyday Bread
When transitioning to a gluten free diet, it can be hard to let go of any carb-heavy food product. Pasta, crackers, cookies and bread top the list of most missed gluten free foods. While there are several different varieties of gluten free bread available on shelves, many gluten free bakers prefer the flavor of homemade bread. While making gluten free bread might be a bit more challenging, it's not impossible. Adding xanthan gum to your at-home gluten free bread recipes will allow for a more pliable dough that's able to rise as needed.
Start with this Everyday Bread recipe if you're ready to test out your gluten free baking skills and make a loaf of bread sans grains. Made with our Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour (a blend of garbanzo bean flour, potato starch, whole grain white sorghum flour, tapioca flour and fava bean flour), all you need to do is add xanthan gum for it to be a success! This bread recipe tastes great when used to make sandwiches, toast, croutons and more. Bake this bread for your upcoming gathering, or enjoy a delicious breakfast or dinner side.
Now that you better understand the many ways that xanthan gum can be used to create gluten free goods, using it in your next recipe will be a breeze. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, have a healthy and happy day!
Do you love baking with xanthan gum? We'd love to hear about all of the beautiful dishes that you create. Let us know more about how you cook with this ingredient in the comments below. We look forward to hearing from you!
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FAQs
What is the best way to use xanthan gum? ›
Thickening with xanthan gum is easy. To thicken up your recipes, blend the xanthan gum into the liquid that you'd like to thicken, then stir it around, and it will thicken instantly. When used to thicken soups, sauces and creams, the amount of xanthan gum needed will vary depending on the desired consistency.
What are 3 uses for xanthan gum? ›Xanthan gum, or just xanthan, is one of the easiest ingredients to work with. It is used extensively to thicken liquids, make light foams, strengthen vinaigrettes, and is a great ingredient to use to turn thin liquids into rich sauces.
What is the ratio of xanthan gum to liquid? ›Acid and heat don't affect it, so it can be used in a wide variety of sauces and juices. To use xanthan gum in recipes, use about 1/8 teaspoon per cup of liquid and combine these in a blender, not by hand.
How do you know how much xanthan gum to use? ›While there's no specific formula per se, we start with 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum for every 1 cup of flour in a recipe.
Do you add xanthan gum to hot or cold liquid? ›Xanthan gum can be dispersed into hot or cold liquids, and many grades of gum are available. The powder has a strong tendency to form lumps when added to water and a number of dispersion and hydration methods are used to try and overcome this.
What are 4 uses for xanthan gum? ›Xanthan gum is used for diabetes, constipation, dry eye, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. In manufacturing, xanthan gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in foods, toothpastes, and medicines.
Does xanthan gum need to be refrigerated? ›USE BY DATE: Expiration date is embedded on the top of every box and is read as Month Day Year (e.g. 010110 means product will expire on January 1st 2010)." Do NOT refrigerate or freeze xanthan gum!
What does xanthan gum replace in a recipe? ›Just replace xanthan gum with the same amount of cornstarch. Cornstarch makes an excellent thickener and is popular for stews and gravies. Swap it with xanthan gum in a 1:1 ratio.
How much xanthan gum do I use per cup of flour? ›2) When adding xanthan gum to a recipe that doesn't already call for it (and baking with a gluten-free flour that doesn't include it), use about 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour. Blend it evenly into your dry ingredients before mixing.
How do you add xanthan gum to soup? ›Thickening with Xanthan gum is very easy. All you need to do is whisk a very small amount into the liquid you want to thicken. It's important to stir it in well, or your dish may end up lumpy. When we say a very small amount, we're talking a quarter of a teaspoon at a time.
Does xanthan gum need to be heated to thicken? ›
Xanthan doesn't need to be cooked, and will thicken water-based liquids at any temperature. It is also heat-resistant and freeze-thaw-resistant.
Does xanthan gum make food chewy? ›Recipes with Xanthan Gum
These cookies are not gluten-free, but they are vegan and the xanthan gum in this recipe helps stabilize the tapioca flour in the recipe, which contributes to their chewy texture without any eggs or butter.
Xanthan gum is safe when up to 15 grams per day are taken. It can cause some side effects such as intestinal gas (flatulence) and bloating. People who are exposed to xanthan gum powder might experience flu-like symptoms, nose and throat irritation, and lung problems.
Why is xanthan gum controversial? ›Xantham Gum
Safety concerns about the use of xanthan gum have arisen as high doses can cause GI side effects, such as gas, softer stools and increased stool output. In 2011, the FDA warned against giving infants Simply Thick, which is often added to formula to help infants with swallowing problems.
Is it safe? Xanthan gum is relatively safe and may even have some health benefits. One potential side effect of consuming xanthan gum is that it can have a laxative effect. If you do have any type of digestive issues, this could make things worse or aggravate an already sensitive stomach.
Is xanthan gum better than cornstarch? ›Xanthan gum is not always an ideal replacement for cornstarch because it contains practically zero nutrients aside from sodium and potassium . It is, however, extremely useful as a thickener, emulsifier, and gelling agent. Because it is so strong, a small amount of xanthan gum can go a long way.
What phase do you add xanthan gum? ›The easiest way to add xanthan gum to the water phase of your formulations is to first disperse the gum into a water-miscible solvent like propanediol, butylene glycol, or glycerin before adding to water.
How do you make xanthan gum not clump? ›Slurry the gum with oil: Mix one part gum in five parts of your organic solvent (soybean oil, propylene glycol, etc.). This coats the gum particles and prevents them from lumping when added to your production tank.
How long does it take for xanthan gum to work? ›For example, it can be used to thicken any type or amount of gravy. Just be sure to allow 15-minutes of thickening time after making the gravy. Xanthan gum can be used for nearly any recipe that requires a stiffening agent.
What foods use xanthan gum? ›Xanthan gum is used in salad dressings, sauces, beverages, dairy products, syrups, toppings, baked goods, confectioneries and candies, breadings, batter, and low fat spreads.
Can I use xanthan gum with all purpose flour? ›
A fine white powder, xanthan is a bio-gum produced by the fermentation of sugars with a friendly bacteria called Xanthomonas Campestris. When using xanthan gum, it is best to blend with plain flour before you start baking.
Do I need xanthan gum with all purpose flour? ›Skipping the Xanthan Gum
While the results will vary per recipe, most recipes that call for xanthan gum require it to maintain structure and rise. However, some recipes can be made successfully without xanthan gum, with an adequate amount of liquid, butter, eggs and oil, even if the recipe itself calls for it.
The viscosity of a xanthan solution lowers when whisking or stirring, a process known as shear thinning. When you stop whisking, it will return to its previous viscosity. This will not factor in to thickening. That being said, you can get a xanthan gum foam using an immersion blender.
Does xanthan gum leave an aftertaste? ›Xanthan gum is one of the most useful food additives around; it is effective in a wide range of viscosities, temperatures, and pH levels. It is easy to use, has no taste, and generally works quite well.
Do chefs use xanthan gum? ›The taste of xanthan gum in undetectable. But texturally, it can be used to bind anything from a parsley sauceto a sabayon or a sorrel and cucumber juice. Chefs also use it to thicken sauces, improve the texture of ice creams, and also for gluten-free cookery.
What does xanthan gum do in cookies? ›Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide obtained from the aerobic fermentation of simple sugars by the Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. The powder is used as a stabilizer and thickening agent in many food products. In baking, it is widely used in gluten-free baked goods as a partial substitute for wheat flour.
Can I replace baking soda with xanthan gum? ›Unfortunately no, the two are similar but not a one-for-one substitute. Xanthan gum acts as a binding agent to give baked goods texture and keep them from crumbling (see the section on what xanthan gum does in baking); baking powder is a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise high and keeps them fluffy.
How much xanthan gum for 1 cup of water? ›For best results, use 1/2 teaspoon per cup of liquid called for in recipe. Whip in a blender with liquid to prevent clumping. Xanthan gum can also be used as an all-purpose thickener for gravies and sauces.
How much xanthan gum for 1 cup almond flour? ›It is excellent for binding, structure-building, and elasticity for baked goods. In most cases, a little goes a long way. One-fourth teaspoon of xanthan gum is all that you need per one cup of almond flour.
Does xanthan gum dissolve in cold water? ›Xanthan gum is fully soluble in cold water and the negatively charged carboxyl groups (COO−) on the side chains of the molecule are responsible for the highly viscous fluid obtained once in contact with water. The main function of xanthan gum is to thicken, emulsify and stabilize water-based foods.
Does xanthan gum thicken vinegar? ›
One of the nice things about modernist cuisine is being able to thicken liquids without significantly diluting the flavor of them. There are several ingredients that can do this and here I use xanthan gum to make a very flavorful balsamic vinegar syrup.
How much xanthan gum should I use in soup? ›A good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum for each cup of liquid in your soup. Add the xanthan gum to a small bowl and mix it with a small amount of cold liquid from the soup. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is completely dissolved. Slowly add the xanthan gum mixture to the soup while stirring.
How do you add xanthan gum to hot sauce? ›In general, use 1/8 teaspoon per cup of hot sauce to thicken the sauce. Use 1/4 teaspoon or more for a thicker hot sauce. Again, you don't need to heat the sauce for thickening, particularly when making fermented hot sauces, where you don't want to lose the probiotic benefits. Also, Xanthan gum is a vegan product.
Can you add xanthan gum to all purpose flour? ›A fine white powder, xanthan is a bio-gum produced by the fermentation of sugars with a friendly bacteria called Xanthomonas Campestris. When using xanthan gum, it is best to blend with plain flour before you start baking.
How do you add xanthan gum to flour? ›2) When adding xanthan gum to a recipe that doesn't already call for it (and baking with a gluten-free flour that doesn't include it), use about 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour. Blend it evenly into your dry ingredients before mixing.
How can I add xanthan gum without lumps? ›Slurry the gum with oil: Mix one part gum in five parts of your organic solvent (soybean oil, propylene glycol, etc.). This coats the gum particles and prevents them from lumping when added to your production tank.