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Sauces, dressings, dips, soups and condiments: body and stable emulsions. Beverages: keeps particles and pulp in suspension.
Ingredients / Hydrocolloids / Xanthan gum
Hydrocolloids, thickeners & emulsifiers
Xanthan gum (E 415)
Food-grade xanthan gum for U.S. manufacturers, from vetted producers. FCC / USP grade on request. Download the sample spec sheet, then send us your grade and quantity.
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Key facts
| CAS No. | 11138-66-2 |
|---|---|
| E-number (EU) | E 415 |
| Form | Cream-coloured powder |
| Solubility | Dispersible in water; insoluble in ethanol |
| Molecular weight | Approximately 1 000 000 |
| Grades | EU Reg. 231/2012 (E 415) sample spec · FCC / USP available on request for U.S. food/pharma use |
| Origin | Confirmed in every offer; stated per lot on the COA |
| Storage, shelf life, packaging | Per the producer's specification, on request |
What xanthan gum is
Xanthan gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide. It is produced by fermentation of a carbohydrate with strains of Xanthomonas campestris, purified by recovery with ethanol or propan-2-ol, dried and milled. Its main sugar units are D-glucose and D-mannose, and it is prepared as the sodium, potassium or calcium salt. Its dispersions in water are neutral. (Source: EU Regulation 231/2012, E 415.)
Applications by industry
Bakery
Gluten-free bakery mixes, where it helps provide structure and moisture retention.
Pharma & nutraceuticals
Excipient and carrier in oral and topical formulations.
Personal care & cosmetics
Thickener in lotions, gels, shampoos and creams.
Sample specification
Values from EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 415), consolidated text of 18.08.2026. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the COA for your lot are available on request.
| Assay | 91 % to 108 % xanthan gum (on dried basis) |
|---|---|
| Loss on drying | Not more than 15 % |
| Total ash | Not more than 16 % (anhydrous basis) |
| Pyruvic acid | Not less than 1,5 % |
| Nitrogen | Not more than 1,5 % |
| Ethanol and propan-2-ol | Not more than 500 mg/kg |
| Lead | Not more than 0,5 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | Not more than 0,1 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 0,05 mg/kg |
| Cadmium | Not more than 0,3 mg/kg |
Download the full spec sheet (PDF)
Documents and sourcing
Droplet promise. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Data sheet, SDS and COA on request. Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot.
Questions buyers ask
What is xanthan gum used for?
Xanthan gum is a thickener and stabilizer. Manufacturers use it to build body in sauces, dressings and soups, to keep particles in suspension in beverages, in gluten-free bakery mixes, as an excipient in pharma and nutraceutical formulations, and as a thickener in lotions, gels and shampoos.
How is xanthan gum made?
It is a polysaccharide produced by fermentation of a carbohydrate with strains of Xanthomonas campestris. It is then purified by recovery with ethanol or propan-2-ol, dried and milled (EU Regulation 231/2012, E 415).
Which grades can McBoeck supply?
Food grade to EU Regulation 231/2012 (E 415). FCC / USP grade is available on request for U.S. food and pharma use. Particle size and other grade details follow the producer's specification, on request.
Which documents come with xanthan gum?
Every delivery ships with a COA linked to the delivered lot. Origin confirmed in every offer. Sample lot record on request, from the producer. SDS, allergen and other statements on request.
What does the sample spec sheet show?
Limits for assay, loss on drying, total ash, pyruvic acid, nitrogen, residual solvents and heavy metals, taken from EU Regulation 231/2012. Actual values depend on the producer; the producer's specification and the lot COA are available on request.
How do I get a quote?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location through the quote form or at [email protected]. We work with vetted producers and give you access to U.S.- and EU-stocked material through our partner network.
Related hydrocolloids
Need xanthan gum?
Send us the grade, quantity and delivery location. Email [email protected] or call +1 (713) 766-6811.