Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide thickener and emulsifier produced by fermenting sugar with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. In protein powders, it is added at very small doses (under 1 percent) to improve mouthfeel, prevent separation, and keep flavors evenly distributed.
Why It Matters
Xanthan gum is what makes a protein shake feel creamy rather than thin and watery. It is also what stops the chocolate from settling at the bottom of the cup. The doses used in protein powders are very small and well below any level that would cause gut issues for most people.
How to Spot It on a Label
Xanthan gum appears near the end of the ingredient list, typically after the protein and flavoring agents. Some natural-positioned brands (Ascent, Promix, Naked) skip xanthan gum and accept a thinner-textured shake in exchange for a shorter ingredient list.
Examples from real products
Related Terms
Keep learning with these closely-linked entries: