Xanthan and guar gums are often added to flour mixes to add structure to baked goods.
What is xanthan gum?
Xanthan gum is an ingredient used to give stretch to gluten-free baked goods in place of gluten. It is made by fermentation of glucose by xanthomonas campestris bacterium, from which it gets its name.
The microorganism eats the glucose solution. The dried outer cell coat of the microorganism is then used to produce xanthan gum.
What is guar gum?
Guar gum is a gluten-free thickening ingredient made from the guar bean. It also acts as a binder and volume enhancer and is used in gluten-free baking to help provide the structure that normally comes from gluten. It can work like a laxative if consumed in large quantities.
Substitutes for xantham or guar gum
Psyllium husk, ground chia seeds and ground flax seeds can all be used as substitutes for xanthan and guar gums. Use a one-to-one substitution.
