Xanthan gum is a popular food additive used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier.
## Properties and Uses
1. *Thickening agent*: Xanthan gum is commonly used to thicken sauces, dressings, and beverages.
2. *Stabilizer*: It helps stabilize emulsions and suspensions in food products.
3. *Emulsifier*: Xanthan gum can help mix oil and water-based ingredients together.
4. *Food applications*: It's used in various food products, including salad dressings, sauces, dips, and baked goods.
## Benefits
1. *High viscosity*: Xanthan gum can create a high viscosity at low concentrations.
2. *Stability*: It's stable over a wide range of temperatures, pH levels, and salt concentrations.
3. *Non-toxic and non-allergenic*: Xanthan gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food products.
## Food Grade Specifications
1. *Purity*: Food-grade xanthan gum must meet specific purity standards.
2. *Microbial contamination*: It must be free from microbial contamination.
3. *Labeling and packaging*: Food-grade xanthan gum must be properly labeled and packaged to ensure safe handling and use.
