Xanthan Gum Substitutes: These Alternatives Work

Fortunately, you can find replacements for xanthan in four alternative options. Xanthan is a gluten-free binder, which is useful for people with gluten intolerance. Read more about alternative options here.

Substitute for Xanthan Gum: Four Options

Finding substitutes for xanthan gum is important when you don’t have the product on hand. Xanthan gum is usually more likely to be bought in organic stores, health food stores or drugstores. More common products are also suitable for people with celiac disease. Xanthan and its alternatives are binding and thickening agents. They are therefore essential for the success of dough and sauces.

• Flea seed shells: Xanthan gum can be easily replaced with psyllium shells. The seeds swell with liquid and thus ensure a particularly juicy and airy dough. Thanks to the liquid storage capacity of the psyllium husk, your cake will crumble less. Replace one tablespoon of xanthan gum with two tablespoons of psyllium husk. You can add the peels to your food dry or soaked for two to three hours.
• Chia seeds: These seeds work similarly to psyllium husks, but definitely need to be soaked in water before use. The seeds need two to three hours to swell, one tablespoon of chia seeds in three tablespoons of water is the optimal mixture.
• Guar gum: Is an optimal alternative to xanthan and works wonderfully as a thickening and gelling agent. Like xanthan gum, it binds liquid and contains few calories and no gluten. Also, it has plenty of fiber. To replace a tablespoon of xanthan gum, use a tablespoon and a half of guar gum.
• Locust bean gum : Locust bean gum is a popular alternative to xanthan gum. The flour is easy to use and a popular binding agent. If you want, you can add guar gum to increase the binding strength of your food. Replace one gram of xanthan gum with 1.5 grams of locust bean gum.