Is xanthan gum gluten-free? Yes, it’s a gluten-free baker’s staple

Yes. Xanthan gum (E415) is gluten-free. It is made by fermenting sugar with bacteria, then dried and purified.

How it’s used

• In gluten-free baking it holds doughs and batters together, a job gluten does in wheat flour.
• Many gluten-free flour blends already contain it; check before adding more.
• Use small amounts: too much makes bakes gummy.
• Psyllium husk and ground chia or flax are alternatives if you prefer to avoid it.

Keep reading

• Is flour gluten-free?
• Is modified starch gluten-free?
• Gluten-free flour library

Sources: EU Regulation 1169/2011 (Annex II: cereals containing gluten, and the exemptions for wheat-based glucose syrups including dextrose and wheat-based maltodextrins), Coeliac UK, Codex Alimentarius (gluten-free = 20 mg/kg or less). Checked 28 September 2026. We inform, we don’t diagnose: for medical questions, your doctor or dietitian has the last word.