Is Xanthan Gum Safe?
Xanthan Gum is the additive E415 — a thickener produced by natural fermentation — safe, vegan and a staple of gluten-free baking.
Is Xanthan Gum safe to eat?
E415 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E415.
EFSA status: Authorised in the EU — no safety concern at current levels of use
Source: European Food Safety Authority
What is Xanthan Gum?
E415 is the E-number for xanthan gum, one of the thickeners & gelling agents group of food additives (E400–E499). Additives in this group thicken foods and create gels for the right texture. Produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars. Xanthan gum was discovered by US Department of Agriculture scientists in the 1960s and is produced by fermenting sugars with the Xanthomonas campestris bacterium. Like every E-number, E415 has been evaluated and authorised for use in food in the European Union — the 'E' literally stands for Europe, and a number is only granted after a safety assessment. That authorisation doesn't mean every additive suits every diet or that all concerns are settled, which is why we break down the safety, vegan, vegetarian and halal status of E415 in detail below.
What foods contain Xanthan Gum?
E415 (Xanthan Gum) is typically found in:
- Gluten-free bread and baking
- Salad dressings
- Sauces
- Ice cream
- Toothpaste
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xanthan Gum bad for you?
Yes. E415 is authorised in the EU, UK and US, and EFSA evaluations found no health concern at normal food levels.
Is Xanthan Gum vegan?
E415 is vegan. Produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars, with no animal involvement in standard production.
Is Xanthan Gum halal?
E415 is halal. Produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars, with no haram source involved.
Full guide to E415 (Xanthan Gum) →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).