Why is xanthan gum controversial? Should I avoid xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum is not necessarily a controversial ingredient. It is a food additive that is commonly used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in various foods and personal care products.

Xanthan gum is made from a type of bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris, which is fermented and then processed to create the final product.

Xanthan gum is generally considered safe for consumption and does not have any significant negative effects on health.

However, it is a highly processed food additive and some people may choose to avoid it due to concerns about the potential for negative health effects from consuming highly processed ingredients.

In addition, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to xanthan gum, in which case they may need to avoid it in order to prevent adverse symptoms.

It is important to keep in mind that xanthan gum is a useful food additive that can help to improve the texture and stability of a variety of foods and personal care products.