A note of caution about Xanthan Gum

Thought I would share something interesting about the use of Xanthan Gum in gluten-free vegan baking. Xanthan gum is a plant derivative commonly found in commercial foods. On the food packaging label, it can be listed as food additive E415, or simply as xanthan gum. Many gluten free vegan cake recipes include xanthan gum as a binder to thicken and hold the batter together. But take note - those sensitive to corn - xanthan gum is usually made from corn. 

Xantham Gum

In some of my gluten-free vegan recipes like my gooey, fudgey brownies, I replace xanthan gum with flaxseed meal (ground flaxseed). The bake turns out fine. Next time, I will have more about flaxseed. Until then, Happy Baking!

Brownies, with flaxseed meal

Guar Gum - a safer alternative

Guar Gum

Gluten-free cookies, with Guar gum

  

I've started using guar gum in my gluten-free baking in place of xantham gum. Guar gum is made from cluster beans or guar beans. I feel that it gives baked goods a better texture than xantham gum, less gummy!. From what I've read, guar gum appears to have a very low rate of allergic reactions to it, that too only if the guar is contaminted at the source.