What is Xanthan Gum/Guar Gum?
Xanthan gum is the result of the mixing of corn sugar and a bacteria called Xanthomonas Campestris. It is used in many recipes as a thickening agent and as a replacement for gluten in many gluten/wheat free recipes. Xanthan gum is preferred over Guar gum as the chemical make up of Xanthan gum is simpler and easier to digest. Guar gum is much like Xanthan gum except that it is actually an extract from the Guar plant. The usage is very nearly the same as well. Guar gum has the effect of combining with water molecules and forming a gel like substance. Until 1990, it was used as one of the main ingredients in many non-prescription diet pills for the fullness effect it would give to the takers. It was claimed to have caused many digestive issues in the large amounts and was banned from use in non-prescription diet pills by the FDA in 1990. Guar gum’s high fiber content has been known to cause digestive issues in large amounts, which is the reason that Xanthan gum is preferred. Both have use
