Comparing E415 - Xanthan gum vs E942 - Nitrous oxide
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 37,379 products
Found in 170 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 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.
What is nitrous oxide used for?
In foods, E942 is used as a propellant and foaming gas for aerosol whipped cream and similar products, and it helps limit oxidation by displacing oxygen; outside food, it’s also used medically for sedation and analgesia.
Why don't dentists use nitrous oxide anymore?
Many dentists still use it; where it’s reduced or discontinued, it’s usually due to practice policies, monitoring and ventilation requirements, costs, or infection-control considerations, not because it’s been broadly banned.
How does nitrous oxide work?
As a food additive, it dissolves in cream under pressure and expands into fine bubbles when released, whipping and dispensing the product while displacing oxygen to slow oxidation.
How long does nitrous oxide last?
In medical/dental use, its effects generally wear off within a few minutes after inhalation stops; in whipped cream, the gas remains in the foam for hours but gradually diffuses out.
Is nitrous oxide flammable?
No—nitrous oxide isn’t flammable, but it is a strong oxidizer that can make other materials burn faster and more intensely.