Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide, a type of carbohydrate, that is produced through the fermentation of sugars by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is commonly used as a food additive and has a wide range of applications in various industries due to its unique properties.
Key characteristics include:
– Thickening Agent: has the ability to increase the viscosity (thickness) of liquids, making it a popular choice as a thickening agent in food products.
– Stabilizer: It helps stabilize suspensions, preventing solid particles from settling to the bottom of a liquid.
– Emulsifier: can improve the stability of emulsions, helping to keep oil and water-based ingredients mixed together.
– Pseudoplasticity: This means that the viscosity of xanthan gum decreases with shear stress, allowing it to thicken when at rest and become more fluid when agitated.
– Compatibility with various pH levels: Xanthan gum remains stable and effective over a wide range of pH levels, making it suitable for use in acidic or alkaline formulations.
– Temperature Stability: It retains its properties over a broad temperature range, which makes it suitable for both hot and cold applications.
Xanthan gum has a wide range of applications across various industries:
Primary Applications
Primary Applications:
- Food Industry
- Oil and Gas Industry
- Cosmetic
- Pet Food:
- Texture and Palatability
- Water Treatment:
- Mining Industry
Xanthan Gum - Industrial Grade
Xanthan gum in its industrial grade refers to a variant specifically designed for non-food industrial applications for usage as:
- Thickening and Stabilization: Similar to food-grade xanthan gum, the industrial-grade version serves as an effective thickening and stabilizing agent. It is utilized in various industrial processes where controlling viscosity and preventing settling of solids are essential.
- Oil and Gas Industry: One of the primary applications of industrial-grade xanthan gum is in the oil and gas sector. It is commonly used as a thickening agent in drilling fluids to carry solid particles to the surface and maintain viscosity under high-pressure conditions. This aids in the drilling process and wellbore stability.
- Mining Industry: Xanthan gum finds applications in the mining industry, particularly in ore flotation processes. Its pseudoplastic nature is advantageous in creating the desired rheological properties in mineral slurries.
- Water-Based Systems: Industrial-grade xanthan gum is employed in water treatment processes to enhance the viscosity and performance of water-based systems. It can improve the suspension of particles and overall stability.
Xanthan Gum - Food Grade
Xanthan gum is a common food additive with various applications in the food industry:
- Thickening Agent: Xanthan gum is widely used as a thickening agent in the food industry. It has the ability to increase the viscosity of liquids, providing a desirable texture in a variety of food products.
- Stabilizer: It acts as a stabilizer, preventing ingredients from separating and settling. This is particularly important in products such as salad dressings and sauces.
- Emulsifier: Xanthan gum enhances the stability of emulsions, ensuring that oil and water-based ingredients remain well-mixed in products like salad dressings and mayonnaise.
- Gluten-Free Baking: In gluten-free baking, where traditional wheat-based thickeners are not suitable, xanthan gum serves as an effective substitute. It helps provide structure and elasticity to gluten-free baked goods.
- Dairy Products: Xanthan gum is used in the production of dairy products such as ice cream to prevent ice crystal formation and improve texture.
- Beverages: It is added to beverages to prevent settling of particulate matter and to enhance the overall stability of the product.
- Texture Improvement: Xanthan gum contributes to the improvement of the texture in a variety of food products, giving them a smoother and more pleasing mouthfeel.
- Wide pH and Temperature Tolerance: It maintains its functionality over a wide range of pH levels and temperatures, making it suitable for a diverse range of food formulations.
- Suitable for Various Culinary Applications: Xanthan gum is used in a variety of culinary applications, including soups, gravies, sauces, and bakery items, where it enhances the overall quality of the final product.
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Ed Allen
Sales Manager
Ed handles all enquiries related to Xanthan Gum. Please get in touch using the link below with details of your requirements and we would be happy to help.