Hosting Thanksgiving? Get the free keto game plan.

Hidden carbs / Fiber & gum

Is xanthan gum keto?

Keto-friendlyFiber: subtract it

Yes. A thickener used in tiny amounts. It counts as fiber and adds essentially no net carbs.

What it is

Xanthan gum is made by fermenting sugar with bacteria; the sugar is consumed and what is left is a fiber. About a quarter teaspoon can thicken a cup of sauce, so the amounts in food are tiny.

In keto baking it stands in for some of the binding that gluten does. Gellan gum is made in a similar way and used the same way.

How to count it

It is fiber, so subtract it from total carbs like any other fiber.

Mostly not digested, so they are subtracted from total carbs. A couple are debated.

Where you will find it

  • Dressings and sauces
  • Gluten-free and keto baking
  • Ice cream

Also listed as

xanthangellan gumgellan
Free tool

Paste a whole label

The label decoder flags every sugar, starch, sugar alcohol and fiber in an ingredient list, and tells you how to count each one. It runs on your device.

Open the label decoder

General nutrition information, not medical advice. Products and formulas change, so check the nutrition panel too. If you manage diabetes or take medication that affects blood sugar, ask your doctor how to count these ingredients. See our health disclaimer.

Quick answers

Is xanthan gum keto?

Yes. A thickener used in tiny amounts. It counts as fiber and adds essentially no net carbs.

Does xanthan gum count toward net carbs?

Fiber: subtract it. It is fiber, so subtract it from total carbs like any other fiber.

What is xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum is made by fermenting sugar with bacteria; the sugar is consumed and what is left is a fiber. About a quarter teaspoon can thicken a cup of sauce, so the amounts in food are tiny.

What other names does it go by on a label?

xanthan, gellan gum, gellan.

The Keto Tuxedo letter

One great recipe a week

Plus the free Keto Dress Code, with the hidden-carb traps to watch for when you eat out.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click. By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy.