Where Is Xanthan Gum in the Grocery Store? (The Complete Guide)

Xanthan gum seems like an intimidating ingredient, but it’s actually widely available at grocery stores.

However, there’s a catch. You might spend a lot of time looking for this in the store.

Don’t feel bad! Truth is, even the most experienced shoppers sometimes have a hard time finding this item.

Well, we’ll put that to an end because we’re here to help you out.

So where is xanthan gum in the grocery store? Where do you find?

Lucky for you, you can find all the information you need in this article.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Where Is Xanthan Gum in Grocery Store?

Since this product is a well-known stabilizer, thickener, and suspending agent, the first section you should head to is no other than the Baking Aisle. Because it’s also often used as a replacement for yeast or flour, you’ll find it near the grains, sugar, and flour in this area.

If it isn’t there, the next best option that you have is the Health Food Area where you can find other products formulated for special dietary restrictions.

Because the product is also a popular gluten-free option, you may also find it in the Gluten-free Section if the store you’re in has one.

Pro Tip: If you can’t seem to find the item in these two aisles, the best thing that you can do is to ask for assistance from the store staff.

Which Stores Sell Xanthan Gum Near Me?

While xanthan gum may sound new to you, there are actually a lot of recipes that call for it. Because of this, a lot of major grocery stores sell it. So if you’re wondering where you can buy it, we’ve listed down some of the best options you have below:

Walmart

You can find this item in the store’s baking aisle and gluten-free section.

The good news is you can use the store locator feature on its official website to determine where they display the product in.

Another great idea is to download the phone’s mobile application that you can use to determine the product’s availability and location.

Whole Foods

Since this is a popular health food store, they don’t have a gluten-free section (because most of their products are gluten-free). That’s why you should check out the store’s baking aisle if you want to find this item.

Publix

Head to the store’s Baking section to look for this product.

We have to be honest though. You can find only one brand in most of their locations. The good news is you can find a lot of cheaper options in some of their stores, but you may need to check their website to know which brands the branch carries.

Target

Just like most stores, Target also stocks Xanthan Gum in their Baking section. This store carries 8 oz pouches of this product, so it may not be your best option if you’re looking for larger packs.

Asian Markets

If there’s a specialized Asian grocery store near you, then you should definitely look for xanthan gum there. In there, you’ll likely find xanthan gum in different brands and package sizes there.

Amazon

Surprise—you can also buy xanthan gum online, and the best part is you can get it from Amazon. This store delivers products right straight to your doorstep within the day, so it’s also a convenient option as well.

But that’s not all. The store also offers a wide range of brands. The best part is they also sell the product in bulk, so you get to save money if you’re looking for high amounts of xanthan gum.

Which Xanthan Gum Brands to Buy?

Not all Xanthan Gum brands are created equal. That’s why it’s important that you learn how to pick the best brands to use.

Luckily, we already did the job for you, and here’s the list of brands that we came up with:

Bob’s Red Mill

This brand is one of the most popular brands in the market and is most probably the brand you’ll find in most stores. Luckily, the company makes organic xanthan gum made with certified Kosher and non-GMO ingredients.

Texturestar

If you’re on a vegan diet, this gluten-free product is the best option for you. Not only that, the product is keto-friendly as well.

The product comes in an 8 oz white resealable plastic pouch.  

It’s Just

This vegan- and vegetarian-friendly product is made from premium non-GMO and food-grade ingredients.

The powder also comes in a resealable zipper bag that’s designed for maximum shelf life.

Now Foods

The Xanthan Gum from Now Foods is one of the best options there are. That’s because their products are free from harsh unwanted chemicals like MSG, artificial colorings, flavorings, and a whole lot more.

How to Choose Which Xanthan Gum Brand to Get?

To determine which of these brands you should get, you need to consider the following factors:

Grade

The first thing you need to understand is Xanthan Gum comes in different grades. Because of this, it’s important that you know what their differences are so you can determine which grade you should buy.

With that said, here are some of the information you need to know:

Food-grade

This is the type that you’re looking for if you plan on using the powder as a thickener and food additive.

Industrial-grade

If you need the powder for industrial applications like paints and adhesives. Keep in mind that this grade is not safe for human consumption.

Pharmaceutical-grade

The pharmaceutical industry uses this gum as a stabilizer or filler for tablets and capsules.

Cosmetic-grade

This grade is used as a binder for certain cosmetic products like hair gels, creams, and lotions.

Types

Xanthan gum types are categorized based on their viscosity and particle size.

High-viscosity powders have a large particle size, so it’s used for products that require a thicker consistency. These include dressings and sauces.

On the other hand, low-viscosity powders have smaller particle sizes, so this is recommended for food items with thinner consistency. These include salad dressings and beverages.

Ingredients

The powder should only contain xanthan gum—nothing else. It should be free of artificial ingredients like preservatives, colorings, flavorings, and other ingredients.

Labels

To determine the quality of the product, there are some certifications that you should look for in the product packaging. These include Non-GMO and USDA Certified Organic.

If you have special dietary considerations, checking the label is also important to ensure that the product would help meet your needs. With that said, some of the terms to look for are Kosher, Vegan, and Vegetarian.

What to Use Instead Of Xanthan Gum?

If you can’t find xanthan gum, here are some of the alternatives that you can use:

Chia Seeds + Water

When mixed with water, chia seeds will bloom and will create a gel-like formulation. To achieve the same consistency of xanthan gum, you only need to mix 2 tablespoons of chia seeds with 1 tablespoon of water in dishes or milk for baked goodies.

The best part is chia seeds are more nutrient-dense than powder. (*)

Cornstarch

Can you use cornstarch in place of xanthan gum? Since both ingredients come in powder form, you don’t have to add liquid to them anymore. With that said, the only thing you need to do is to substitute cornstarch with the powder in equal amounts.

Warning: If you have gluten intolerance, make sure that the product is not contaminated with gluten.

Egg Whites

If you plan on using xanthan gum as a leavening and binding agent for making bread and cakes. Use one egg white for every tablespoon of powder that the recipe calls for.

Learn more: Xanthan Gum Substitute

Interesting Facts:

What is xanthan gum made from?

Xanthan gum is actually derived from a type of bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. Through the fermentation of glucose or sucrose, this bacteria produces a slimy substance that is then dried and ground into a fine powder. This powder is what we commonly know as xanthan gum.

What is xanthan gum used for?

Xanthan gum is a common ingredient in gluten-free cooking. It helps thicken, stabilize and mix ingredients. To use it, add a little bit to a liquid and whisk until it is spread out evenly.

Is xanthan gum bad for you?

The FDA has said it is safe to eat. But some people might not be able to handle it and too much will make them feel sick.

The Bottom Line

Where is xanthan gum in the grocery store? You can find it either in the store’s baking section or the Health food aisle. And if the store you’re visiting has a dedicated aisle for gluten-free products, you may want to check that section too.

Xanthan gum may be a popular ingredient, but not a lot of people have any idea how to choose and buy one. If you’re one of these people, all you need to do is keep the information and tips we’ve provided in mind, and you can certainly find the right product for your needs.