What is xanthan gum?
At Planture, we supply high-quality xanthan gum, a natural polysaccharide produced through the fermentation of sugars by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. This water-soluble ingredient, known by E-number E415, is supplied as a fine powder and is widely used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. Xanthan gum is a frequently used ingredient for producers in the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and oil industries who strive for consistent product quality and optimal texture.
Its versatile applicability
Xanthan gum is a versatile polysaccharide (E415) that provides strong functional effects even at low dosages. For producers, it is particularly interesting because it combines reliability and reproducibility: it increases viscosity, stabilizes emulsions and suspensions, improves mouthfeel, and prevents phase separation in various product groups.
Food products
Cosmetics and personal care
In creams, lotions, and gels, xanthan gum regulates viscosity and provides a smooth, non-sticky feel on the skin. In shampoos and toothpastes, it stabilizes foam and suspension properties, keeps solid particles homogeneously distributed, and improves workability and sensory properties.
Pharmaceutical applications
In liquid formulations such as oral suspensions and certain eye drops, xanthan gum is used as a thickening and suspending agent to ensure consistent dosing, homogeneous distribution of active substances, and improved physical stability during storage. In tablet and chewable formulations, it can be used to control mouthfeel and viscosity or as part of carrier/suspension systems in liquid pharma matrices, provided it is aligned with regulations and formulation requirements.
Oil and industrial applications
For drilling fluids, xanthan gum increases viscous properties and aids in suspending cuttings, thereby improving stability and particle transport during drilling; its pseudoplastic behavior simultaneously makes the fluid pumpable under stress. Other industrial applications include paints, adhesives, and certain fire extinguishing systems, where xanthan gum serves as a thickener and suspending agent to improve consistency and stability.
Benefits of Planture xanthan gum
Frequently asked questions
Yes, xanthan gum is approved as a food additive in Europe and America (E415).
Xanthan gum dissolves well in both cold and hot liquids and increases viscosity even at low concentrations (0.1-1%).
Xanthan gum provides a uniform, smooth, and stable texture without altering the taste or mouthfeel, which starchy binders often do.