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Old 02-22-2013, 07:33 PM   #1  
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Default Xanthan Gum

I'm sorry to post this in a new thread, but the other day I read a post that someone made about using some xanthan gum to thicken their morning smoothie. I believe it was a chocolate drink/spinach smoothie, though I'm 100% sure.

I was wondering... How much xanthan gum do you use, and how well does it set up in something that's not heated?

I have been using xanthan gum in soups and gravies and sauces for a long time to stay away from corn starch and flour, but those are heated and it sets up as it boils (at least I think it always has). I know the amount used is very tiny... I use about 1/4 tsp or less per cup of hot liquid... so I'm very curious about mixing it with something cold.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
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Old 02-22-2013, 08:45 PM   #2  
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Your right.. 1/4 tsp is what I have used in my protein shakes made with water. It helps give it a better texture like a smoothie or an RTD protein drink. Very smooth.
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Old 02-22-2013, 10:29 PM   #3  
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I use 1/4 tsp Xantham Gum in my smoothies, blended with ice. It's never failed for me. I don't think heat has anything to do with it. It doesn't really thicken, it makes things smoother -- it's a "mouth feel" thing. It may thicken a bit, but I make my smoothies with ice, so they're pretty thick on their own.

I have found that it helps to blend the Xantham Gum into whatever other powder you're blending in... Just give it a toss with a spoon. Somehow, if all the xantham is on top when I put the lid on my blender cup, I end up with a bit of clumping, and it stickes to the blender parts. If it's mixed in with the other powder, it doesn't. It's great! Makes a big difference in ice-blended drinks.
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Old 02-23-2013, 12:05 AM   #4  
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Thank you for the replies!
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Old 02-23-2013, 09:50 AM   #5  
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I don't know why I didn't remember Xanthan gum when I was trying to figure out how to thicken my beef stew and stir fry sauces. Brilliant!
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Old 02-23-2013, 10:12 AM   #6  
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Is this allowed on Phase 1?
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Old 02-23-2013, 11:05 AM   #7  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Debrasb View Post
Is this allowed on Phase 1?
Xanthan is a 0/0/0 when used correctly. It takes such a smallll amount, you needn't worry. If you use too much, it turns into a snotty, gloopy mess. When used right, no more than 1/4 tsp per cup of liquid, it makes a nice smooth sauce/gravy.

I just wanted to know if it really worked on thickening up cold drinks, because I love the flavor of EAS but it's thin and watery, and I think mentally, the thicker shakes make me feel fuller.
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Old 02-23-2013, 11:06 AM   #8  
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I just retrieved mine from the far reaches of a cabinet.
Thanks for the reminder!
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Old 02-23-2013, 11:18 AM   #9  
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Thanks for the tip! I wasn't aware that I could use xanthan gum as a thickener for shakes or soups. I have used it in gluten free baking in the past, but didn't think of this. I too will retrieve my container of xantham gum from the back of the upper cupboard.
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Old 02-23-2013, 11:31 AM   #10  
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It works!

I just made a breakfast smoothie with an IP vanilla RTD (I was trying to figure out how to use these up because I don't like them) some instant coffee, a couple packets of Splenda, and 6 ice cubes in my Ninja...with the 1/4 tsp xanthan. Really fixed my texture problem!
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Old 02-23-2013, 11:36 AM   #11  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by leannekarella View Post
It works!

I just made a breakfast smoothie with an IP vanilla RTD (I was trying to figure out how to use these up because I don't like them) some instant coffee, a couple packets of Splenda, and 6 ice cubes in my Ninja...with the 1/4 tsp xanthan. Really fixed my texture problem!
Good to know. I'm looking forward to testing it out on a chocolate protein powder that is too watery for my taste. Sounds like 1/4 tsp xanthan may be just the ticket.

24/02/13: I've now used 1/4 tsp in both a vanilla protein shake yesterday, and today as a home-made tomato protein soup thickener. It works perfectly. The shake was cold with ice, and the soup was hot - so it obviously works well in both cold and hot. Thx again for this tip.

Last edited by evepet; 02-24-2013 at 03:43 PM. Reason: Added something
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Old 02-23-2013, 04:53 PM   #12  
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It's actually 0/0/0 up to a Tbsp - one Tbsp of Xanthan Gum has 8g carbs but also 8g dietary fiber - for 0g NET carbs. But you need such a small amount to do the job it is really incidental
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Old 02-26-2013, 06:56 PM   #13  
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Default Salad Dressing

Just an update....

Today I used it to slightly thicken my home made Italian/Dijon salad dressing. Makes a much creamier dressing than the watery stuff.

Wonder what I'll do with it next....
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Old 02-26-2013, 07:34 PM   #14  
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Funny this popped up. I just picked some up today and made a delicious creamy pesto over spaghetti squash with shrimp...yum!
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Old 02-26-2013, 07:50 PM   #15  
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Where is xantham gum usually located? I've checked both the baking aisle and the spice aisle (I figured it was worth a shot!) in 2local supermarkets and couldn't find it. I also checked a store that sells Bob's Red Mill products, because I saw online that they make it, and they didn't have it either.
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