Xanthan Gum Market Growth and How to Use Xanthan Gum Without Clumping

Xanthan gum is part of more products than most people know about. It can be found in things like salad dressings and ice creams, as well as in products like cosmetics and even industrial fluids. It is used because it is good at thickening and stabilizing mixtures. Products stay blended; their textures remain smooth.

The reputation of xanthan gum is still rising. GMI Research has estimated that the xanthan gum market has the potential to reach $1,036 million in the year 2032. The demand for xanthan gum comes from the fact that it is used in so many different industries due to its ability to provide a consistent texture and stability to the product.

However, people who have worked with xanthan gum know that it can be slightly frustrating to work with, as it can form clumps. This is the case when it is added in a certain a particular way. Clumps form, which can be very difficult, if not impossible to break down. Achieving smooth results depend on the tools you use and how you mix it.

People are often curious as to how xanthan gum works. Most people do not know that xanthan gum is composed of a long strand of sugar molecules. When these molecules come in contact with water, they open up and attach themselves to the water molecules. This causes the water to to become more viscous, which explains how xanthan gum is a good thickening agent.

The same network also prevents the coalescence of dispersed oil droplets in water, preventing separation and stabilizing emulsions. But there is a caveat. If the powder is added to water at a high velocity, the outer layer rapidly hydrates, trapping an agglomerate of dry powder within. This is the mechanism of clump formation.

Why Xanthan Gum is so Popular in Industry

It prevents the separation of oil and water.

It enables even distribution of droplets throughout a medium.

It enhances the consistency and feel of food, cosmetics, and various industrial applications.

It can be found in salad dressings and sauces, baked goods, lotions, and even oil drilling fluids. In all of these applications, even distribution is crucial, and xanthan gum makes this possible.

Easy Ways to Avoid Clumping

The objective is to ensure that each of the minute particles can hydrate independently, which requires a bit of strategy.

Pre-mix the powder. First, dissolve the xanthan gum in oil or glycerin, then create a slurry and mix this with water.

Combine with other dry components. A little sugar, salt, or starch can act as a spacing agent to separate particles before they encounter water.

Slowly add the powder into a mixing vortex. Rather than dumping all the powder at once, let it fall into the moving liquid.

These incremental changes can offer you great results.

The Temperature of Water is Crucial

Xanthan gum hydrates better in warm water, and after hydration is complete, it can be time dispersed before you use it.

Warm water absorbs moisture more quickly. This speeds up production, but rushing can be cause clumping.

Consistent results can be achieved by using the same water every time.

Different Mixing Techniques

To start, mixing should be done slowly to create a vortex.

Then, xanthan gum should be added to the perimeter of the vortex.

Once all the powder is added, increase the speed of the mixer.

Try to avoid adding too much air to the mixture by over mixing.

Stabilizing networks need to be created first in order to introduce oils.

Selecting Your Equipment

Most standard stirrers are not effective as they lack the necessary shear. High-shear mixers are great at quickly breaking apart the powder and evenly hydrating all of it. For small batches, portable mixers are effective, while large tank mixers are great for full-scale production.

When paired with the correct technique, the right equipment transforms xanthan gum from a clumping problem to a dependable, smooth assistant.

One of the greatest and most efficient ways to create stable and high quality products is the use of xanthan gum. Even though it may appear relatively simple at first, it is important to understand water and how to utilize it effectively with xanthan.