Here are 10 substitutes for xanthan gum that you can use in everything from gluten-free baking to creamy sauces—plus a handy chart to make swapping super simple! Whether you’ve run out or want a more natural option, don’t panic—there are plenty of easy and effective swaps! From chia seeds to psyllium husk, these alternatives can help thicken, bind, and give structure to your recipes.
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- WHAT IS XANTHAN GUM MADE FROM?
- WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF XANTHAN GUM IN A RECIPE?
- 10 SUBSTITUTES FOR XANTHAN GUM
- 📊 SUBSTITUTION TABLE WITH CONVERSION RATIOS
- ❓TIPS AND TRICKS
- IS XANTHAN GUM BAD FOR YOU?
- 📝 FAQS
- Did this help you? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
WHAT IS XANTHAN GUM MADE FROM?
Xanthan gum is made by fermenting sugar (from corn, soy, or wheat) with a bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. The result is dried and ground into a fine powder used as a thickener and stabilizer.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF XANTHAN GUM IN A RECIPE?
Xanthan gum acts as a thickener, it's a stabilizer, and binds ingredients in a recipe. It’s especially useful in gluten-free baking to give dough structure and improve texture.
10 SUBSTITUTES FOR XANTHAN GUM
1. CHIA SEEDS (GROUND OR GELLED)
– Great for gluten-free baking; helps bind and add moisture.
2. FLAXSEED MEAL
– Acts like xanthan when mixed with water; perfect for bread and muffins.
3. PSYLLIUM HUSK
– Excellent for structure and elasticity, especially in gluten-free dough. Best for breads.
4. GUAR GUM
– Cold recipes like ice cream or salad dressings. Use a 1:1 substitute.
– Cookie recipes. Use ½ teaspoon of Guar Gum for 1 cup of gluten-free flour.
– Cakes and muffin recipes. Use ½ teaspoon of Guar Gum for 1 cup of gluten-free flour.
– Pizza dough and bread recipes. Use 1 teaspoon of Guar Gum for 1 cup of gluten-free flour.
5. AGAR AGAR
– A vegan gelatin-like thickener made from seaweed; best in jellies or desserts.
6. GALATIN
– Not vegan, but good for setting desserts like jellies, marshmallows, mousses and even jams. It's used in some savory dishes like broths, soups and stocks. It's used in baked goods.
7. ARROWROOT POWDER
– Great for thickening sauces or soups; not ideal for baking structure.
8. CORNSTARCH
– Common and easy to use in sauces or gravies (not great for gluten-free baking).
9. TAPICOA STARCH
– Adds chew and elasticity to baked goods; also used in sauces.
10. EGG WHITES
– Help bind and lift baked goods, especially in recipes that aren't vegan. Great for baking substitutes.
📊 SUBSTITUTION TABLE WITH CONVERSION RATIOS
| Substitute | Ratio to Xanthan Gum | Best For |
|---|
| Ground flaxseed + water | 1 tablespoon flax + 3 tablespoon water = 1 teaspoon xanthan | Binds in gluten-free baking |
| Chia seeds + water | 1 tablespoon chia + 3 tablespoon water = 1 teaspoon xanthan. Let it sit for 10 minutes, | Moisture + binding in baked goods/puddings. |
| Psyllium husk | 2 teaspoon psyllium husk powder = 1 teaspoon xanthan | Structure in gluten-free bread. |
| Guar gum | 1-2 teaspoon Guar gum = 1 teaspoon xanthan | Cold recipes like ice cream or salad dressings |
| Agar agar | 1 teaspoon agar = 1 teaspoon xanthan | Thickening jellies, vegan desserts. |
| Gelatin | 2 teaspoon gelatin = 1 teaspoon xanthan | Thickening sauces, some baked goods. |
| Arrowroot powder | 1 tsbsp arrowroot = 1 teaspoon xanthan | Sauces, puddings, not ideal for baking |
| Cornstarch | 2 teaspoon cornstarch = 1 teaspoon xanthan | Thickening soups and gravies. |
| Tapioca starch | 2 teaspoon tapioca = 1 teaspoon xanthan | Adds chew to baked goods. Thicken sauces. |
| Egg whites | 1 egg white = 1 tablespoon xanthan | Used in baking cakes and cookies. |
❓TIPS AND TRICKS
- Use starches for sauces – Arrowroot, tapioca, or cornstarch are ideal for soups, gravies, cheese sauce, and dressings.
- Dissolve in liquid first – Avoid lumps by mixing your thickener in cold water before adding to hot dishes.
- Expect slight texture changes – Your final product might be a bit softer, chewier, or crumblier, depending on the sub.
- Check for allergens – Some substitutes (like guar gum or cornstarch) may still be derived from soy, corn, or legumes.
IS XANTHAN GUM BAD FOR YOU?
Generally, it's safe, but watch out if you have a sensitive tummy, have allergies to corn, soy, or wheat, or check the source, since xanthan gum is made from fermented sugars from these. You can find more info on xanthan gum it at healthline.com.
📝 FAQS
It's ok to leave it out in sauces, dressings, or soups, where thickness isn't crucial. Don't leave it out of gluten-free baking, where xanthan gum helps bind ingredients and trap air for rise. Don't leave it out of recipes that need chew, stretch, or structure, like bread, pizza dough, or muffins
Yes, but only for thickening sauces or soups, not for baking or gluten-free recipes where structure and binding are needed.
People leave out xanthan gum due to allergies, sensitivity (bloating/gas), a preference for natural ingredients, or because they’re using a substitute.
Yes, xanthan gum is often used in ice cream to improve texture, prevent ice crystals, and keep it smooth and creamy.
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