Earth's Essentials Xanthan Gum Powder-8 Ounces
Xanthan Gum is made by fermenting corn sugar with a bacteria, Xanthomonas campestris.    Xanthan gum is an emulsifier. It helps ingredients blend more effectively and stay blended while waiting on a shelf. For example - water and oil mixtures, as well as bits of spice in a salad dressing.   Xanthan gum is also used as a thickener. Add a bit to water and it becomes more viscous. Many fat free salad dressing maintain and oily viscosity by using thickeners such as xanthan gum. In pastry fillings, it prevents the water seeping out and soaking the dough, thus protecting the crispness of the crust.   Xanthan gum is used in ice creams as well to prevent the formation of ice crystals and keep the product "smooth".   Xanthan gum has become popular in the gluten free circles. It helps give the dough a sticky consistency.  Only a small amount of xanthan gum is necessary to achieve the desired result, usually less than 0.5% of the food product weight.    Nutritionally, xanthan gum is a carbohydrate with 7 grams of fiber per tablespoon.