Comparing E415 - Xanthan gum vs E461 - methyl cellulose

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Overview

E415 - Xanthan gum

Xanthan gum (E415) is a common food additive that thickens and stabilizes foods and drinks. It is made by fermenting simple sugars with a friendly bacterium and is used in tiny amounts to improve texture and consistency. Regulators in the United States and the European Union consider it safe when used as intended.

E461 - methyl cellulose

Methyl cellulose (E461) is a plant-based food additive used to thicken, stabilize, and emulsify foods. It is unique because it forms a gel when heated and turns back to a liquid as it cools, which helps many recipes hold their shape during cooking.

Synonyms

E415

Xanthan gum

xanthan

E-415

e 415

E461

methyl cellulose

methylcellulose

Functions

emulsifier stabilizer thickener

Origins

Microbiological

Plant

Synthetic

Products

Found in 37,379 products

Found in 1,525 products

Search rank & volume

#2590K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#13311K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.35

under-aware

×1.05

normal

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 3 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.