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Sub For Xanthan Gum?

emcmaster

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emcmaster Collaborator
emcmaster
Posted

Through process of elimination, it appears that I seem to react to anything that has xanthan gum in it. Is guar gum a good substitute in bread/sweets recipes?

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queenofhearts Explorer
queenofhearts
Posted

I've not tried it personally, but have read that it functions similarly. However, I've also heard that it causes D in some folks, so if that's the direction of your reaction, it might be a problem.

Leah

RiceGuy Collaborator
RiceGuy
Posted

I've read guar gum is a suitable replacement for xanthan gum in most cases. It's what I plan to use when I get around to baking again, just because xanthan gum comes from a microbe, which is sorta gross IMHO. Apparently, guar gum gives a more cake-like, spongier texture, as opposed to the bread-like stretchier texture of xanthan. Most recipes suggest using about the same amount.

emcmaster Collaborator
emcmaster
Posted
  • Author

Thanks, Leah and RiceGuy. I'm still in the process of discovering my intolerances, so I may end up with no flour base to cook with anyway... was just thinking ahead. :)

ArtGirl Enthusiast
ArtGirl
Posted

The microbe that produces Xanthan gum is cultured on corn syrup and is, therefore, contaminated with corn. If you have a corn allergy this could be why you react to Xanthan gum.

I intend to try guar gum soon, as I am corn intolerant, but just haven't gotten around to purchasing it yet. It's a real bummer that all the gluten-free bread mixes (even those without cornstarch or other corn derivetives) use Xanthan gum.

There's a website that I discovered that has many recipes for flourless goodies and breads using pecan flour and other non-grain ingredients, following the specif carb diet. The recipes do not use xanthan gum. Some of them look like they may actually be good.

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hineini Enthusiast
hineini
Posted

Ooh I'm going to have to try guar gum. I have lots of xanthan gum to use up first (got it cheap on EBay).

Xanthan gum smells AWFUL. I'd be happy to have a cheaper and less stinky alternative :)

lonewolf Collaborator
lonewolf
Posted
Ooh I'm going to have to try guar gum. I have lots of xanthan gum to use up first (got it cheap on EBay).

Xanthan gum smells AWFUL. I'd be happy to have a cheaper and less stinky alternative :)

My xanthan gum doesn't really have an odor at all. Are you sure yours isn't past the pull-date? Hopefully that isn't why you got it so cheap.

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mrsppmrxky Newbie
mrsppmrxky
Posted

My husband has developed an allergy to corn. I switched over to Guar. I am not happy with the results on my loaf breads.

The taste is great, the texture is good, but the loaves do not rise like they should. The only difference is the Guar.

I called Ener G yesterday and spoke with a very nice woman on the phone for about 10 minutes. She tried to help me figure out what was the problem and to make the Guar work.

I finally asked her how much corn is left in the product after the cultures are grown. The lady replied that the corn doesn't register on their testing of the Xanthan.

I am going to try making a loaf with the Xanthan for my husband to see if he reacts.

If anyone knows the secret to getting the bread to stay risen after it bakes using Guar, I am still very open to that idea.

I can't stand to bake and then have a flop. LOL

mamatide Enthusiast
mamatide
Posted

Carol Fenster's Gluten Free 101 books says that to substitute for Xantham Gum you can use 50% more of Guar Gum.

If you've been using a 1:1 ratio substitution this could explain it.

mamatide

imsohungry Collaborator
imsohungry
Posted
Ooh I'm going to have to try guar gum. I have lots of xanthan gum to use up first (got it cheap on EBay).

Xanthan gum smells AWFUL. I'd be happy to have a cheaper and less stinky alternative :)

I also worry that there is something wrong with your x-gum. :ph34r: I've had mine awhile, and it is still basically odorless. It may be worth the $$ to invest in a new bag just to be cautious. ;)

Also, welcome to the forums Mrspxy! :)

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