Comparing E415 - Xanthan gum vs E460I - Microcrystalline cellulose
Overview
Synonyms
Functions
Products
Found in 37,379 products
Found in 1,203 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is xanthan gum bad for you?
No—at typical food levels it isn’t considered harmful; it’s approved for use in the U.S. and EU. Very high intakes can cause gas or a laxative effect in some people.
Is xanthan gum safe?
Yes—xanthan gum (E415) is approved by regulators like the FDA and EFSA and is considered safe at normal food-use levels. Large supplemental amounts may cause digestive upset, and xanthan-gum–based thickeners are not recommended for premature infants.
What is xanthan gum made from?
It’s a polysaccharide made by fermenting simple sugars (often from corn, sugarcane, or wheat) with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris, then precipitated, dried, and milled into a powder.
Is xanthan gum bad for dogs?
No—it's not considered toxic to dogs, and small amounts used in pet foods are generally safe. Large amounts may cause diarrhea or gas, so avoid overuse and consult a vet if your dog has GI sensitivities.
What does xanthan gum do?
It works as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier—adding viscosity, suspending particles, and preventing separation. In gluten-free baking it helps bind dough and improve texture, and it’s shear‑thinning so it pours easily but thickens at rest.
Is microcrystalline cellulose safe?
Yes—regulators such as the FDA (GRAS) and EFSA (ADI “not specified”) consider E460(i) safe at typical food-use levels. Because it isn’t digested, very high intakes may cause gas or laxative effects in some people.
Is microcrystalline cellulose bad for you?
No—it's an inert, non-digestible dietary fiber with very low toxicity. Potential issues are generally limited to bloating or stool changes if consumed in large amounts.
What is microcrystalline cellulose made from?
It’s purified, partially depolymerized cellulose made by acid hydrolysis of alpha-cellulose from plant sources such as wood pulp or cotton.
Is microcrystalline cellulose gluten free?
Yes—it's naturally gluten-free since it’s pure plant cellulose and contains no wheat, barley, or rye proteins.
Is microcrystalline cellulose safe for dogs?
Yes—it's commonly used as a fiber/binder in dog foods and is considered safe at typical levels. Excessive amounts may cause stool changes or GI upset, so check with a veterinarian for pets with digestive issues.