E415: Xanthan gum unveiled

Table of contents:

Introduction: Xanthan gum (E415)
What exactly is xanthan gum (E415)?
Use and application of xanthan gum (E415)
- Food industry
- Other sectors
What are the benefits of xanthan gum (E415)?
Criticism of xanthan gum
Why does Wacker refrain from using xanthan gum?
Conclusion - the choice for the consumer

1. introduction: xanthan gum (E415)

Have you ever heard of xanthan gum (E415)? This little (miracle) ingredient plays a bigger role in your everyday life than you might think. Xanthan gum is found in many products that we use every day and it has a number of properties that are almost indispensable in modern food production. In this article you will learn everything you need to know about xanthan gum - what it is, where it is used, what benefits it offers and what you as a consumer should definitely know about it.

2. what exactly is xanthan gum (E415)?

Xanthan gum is a naturally occurring polysaccharide, i.e. a polysaccharide, and therefore belongs to the large group of carbohydrates. Polysaccharides are found in starch- and fibre-rich foods such as potatoes, cereals and wholemeal products. Due to their complex structure, they are poorly or not at all soluble in water and are processed more slowly by the body. This leads to a slower rise in blood sugar levels, which provides long-lasting energy and keeps you feeling full for longer. These properties make them an important part of a balanced diet.

Xanthan gum is produced by a special fermentation process in which the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris, which is found on plants, consumes sugar sources such as glucose, fructose or sucrose. This bacterium is used in controlled industrial processes to produce xanthan gum in a useful form.

3. application and use of xanthan gum (E415)

3.1 Food industry

In food production, E415 is mainly used as a thickener and stabiliser. Its ability to work in both cold and hot liquids while maintaining a stable, homogeneous state makes it ideal for a wide range of products:

Sauces and dressings: Xanthan gum prevents the ingredients from settling or separating. It helps to maintain a uniform consistency, which is particularly important for products that need to be placed on the shelf or transported.
Baked goods: In gluten-free recipes, xanthan gum can replace gluten by ensuring that the dough retains the right texture. It helps to stabilise the crumb and makes gluten-free products less crumbly.
Drinks: In drinks such as fruit juices or milkshakes, xanthan gum ensures that fruit pulp and other solids are evenly distributed and do not sink.
Desserts: Xanthan gum is often used in ice cream and sorbets to promote a smooth texture and prevent the formation of ice crystals.

3.2 Other sectors

In addition to the food industry, xanthan gum is also used in many other areas:

Cosmetics: In the cosmetics industry, E 415 is used as a thickening agent in creams, lotions and gels. It helps to keep the ingredients stable and evenly distributed, which facilitates application and improves product quality.
Pharmacy: In the pharmaceutical industry, xanthan gum is used to improve the texture of tablets and as a binding agent in liquid medicines.
Industrial applications: E 415 is also used in the oil and gas industry as a thickening agent for drilling mud. It helps to control the viscosity of the muds, which is important for the efficiency of drilling processes.

4 What are the benefits of xanthan gum (E415)?

Xanthan gum is favoured for its versatility and efficiency. It is able to create high viscosity in liquids at low concentrations, meaning that only a small amount is needed to create a big effect. It is stable under a wide range of temperatures and pH values, making it suitable for use in a variety of products and environments. E415 not only improves the texture and consistency of products, but also has some health benefits:

Gluten-free: It is an excellent alternative for people with gluten intolerance, as it adds structure to gluten-free products.
Low in calories: E 415 has almost no calories, which makes it a good choice for calorie-reduced foods.
Digestive support: In moderate amounts, xanthan gum can help to regulate the digestive tract, similar to soluble fibres.

5. criticism of xanthan gum

Although xanthan gum offers many benefits, there are also some concerns about its use. Due to industrial fermentation and the use of genetically modified microorganisms In some production processes, some consumers prefer to choose products without xanthan gum, especially those who are looking for a diet that is as natural as possible.

For most people, E415 is safe to use. However, there are some aspects that should be considered:

Digestive problems: In some people, large amounts of xanthan gum can cause flatulence or diarrhoea, as it can swell in the intestine and bind a lot of water.
Allergies: Although rare, allergic reactions to xanthan gum can occur, especially in people who are sensitive to fermented products.

However, if you want to eat GMO-free, i.e. free from genetic manipulation, then you should steer clear of products with xanthan gum on the list of ingredients.

6 Why does Wacker not use xanthan gum?

Although xanthan gum offers many advantages, we at Wacker specifically do not use xanthan gum because all Wacker products are GMO-free. We are committed to using unprocessed and natural organic ingredients and deliberately avoid any artificial additives. This approach reflects our commitment to transparency and genuine quality - we don't play hide-and-seek. By not using E 415 and similar additives, we ensure that our products are are free from genetic manipulation. We pride ourselves on offering you only the pure and best.

7 Conclusion - The choice for the consumer

Xanthan gum is a good example of how modern science can enrich our food. It offers numerous benefits, especially for specific dietary needs such as gluten intolerance - by helping to make gluten-free baked goods fluffier - and low-carb diets, where it acts as a low-carb thickener for sauces and soups. E 415 has a variety of practical applications and as an attentive consumer, it is incredibly important to always take a close look at the ingredient lists of the products we buy.

It is essential to understand what we consume and how these ingredients can affect our health. Deciding whether products containing E415 are right for you depends entirely on your personal dietary habits and preferences. A critical look at the ingredients list will help you make conscious choices that are not only good for your body, but also in line with your values.

At Wacker, we offer alternatives that show that quality and naturalness are possible without the use of additives such as xanthan gum. Why not try our Ready mealswithout artificial additives, without added industrial sugar, quick, uncomplicated and delicious: