If you are following a low carb diet you are probably wondering is xanthan gum keto? In this post we give you the definitive answer!
It’s not unusual for someone new to the keto diet to find many ingredients with strange names.
So you can be unsure if you can consume certain ingredients on a keto diet.
What is Xanthan Gum?
On the label of many gluten-free packaged baked goods, you will most likely find xanthan gum in the ingredients list.
Xanthan gum is a fairly common ingredient used in various foods.
But why is xanthan gum used so much?
Xanthan gum can easily replace gluten, especially in baking goods.
For example, when you eat bread, it is gluten that provides that chewy flavor.
What happens when you remove the gluten? It’s harder to keep all the ingredients together. That’s where xanthan gum comes in!
When baking gluten-free products, xanthan gum works as a stabilizer, thickening agent, and emulsifier.
Due to these properties, manufacturers widely use xanthan gum to make gluten-free baking products that are also keto-friendly.
As a result, manufacturers can also avoid wheat and eggs, which can cause allergies in some people.
Because of its thickening properties, xanthan gum is often used for preparing soups, dressings, and sauces.
How is xanthan gum made?
The production of xanthan gum involves a very simple fermentation process. In this process, a carbohydrate is fermented using a bacterium called Xanthomonas Campestris.
Various processes then dry the gum to obtain a dry powder.
This powder can be rehydrated at any time to reactivate its functionality. In case you’re wondering about the name, it was derived from the name of the bacteria.
Is Xanthan Gum Keto? Here’s the truth
During the fermentation process, bacteria begin to ferment the sugars into a carbohydrate source.
As a result, all the sugar is consumed, so the product contains zero net carbs.
So yes, you can consume xanthan gum on a keto diet.
What substitute for xanthan gum can you use?
If you can’t get xanthan gum or don’t want to use it for whatever reason, several products work as substitutes.
Instead of xanthan gum, you can use egg whites or gelatin, for example.
FAQs about xanthan gum
Is xanthan gum also suitable for vegans?
It depends on the type of substrate used during the fermentation process.
So depending on the manufacturer, it can also be vegan or non-vegan.
Therefore, you will have to read the label or search for the product before buying.
Where can you buy xanthan gum?
You can find xanthan gum in supermarkets or online stores.
You usually need a small amount of xanthan gum in recipes, so you will not need to buy large quantities.
Want to learn more about low carb and gluten free flour options?
- Check this post about what is blanched almond flour and how you can use it.
- In here we share the best coconut flour substitute
- Learn everything about what is carbalose flour and why it’s the next it thing in low carb baking
- Is tapioca flour keto? Everything you need to know!
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