What is Xanthan Gum? A Breakdown on Fillers in Baked Goods

What is Xanthan Gum and what are fillers in baking? Let me educate you: In the baking industry, whether we are discussing big time brands or smaller shops, there are a few practices brands use to make their baked goods bigger, sweeter, and have longer shelf-lives. Unfortunately, not all of these practices are ethical as they contribute to health problems, and they lack nutrition. One of the more common occurrences of this: the use of fillers. But don’t worry. In this post, we are going to take a look at filler ingredients, and why we avoid them in our bakes here at Plantiful Kitchen.

What are Fillers?

So why are fillers bad? In order to understand this, we first need to look into what constitutes as a filler. In baked goods – and many other products – fillers are substances that are meant to “bulk up” the bake with added texture and enhanced volume. Basically, think of the phrase “bigger is better.” With food, it’s a little more complicated than this. We should be focusing on nutritional value above all, not the literal size of our portions. And though fillers increase volume, they often contribute no benefit to our health. In fact, many of these ingredients are quite negative to your well-being. With this in mind, let’s go through some of the more common fillers and discuss the harm of ingesting them.

Filler Ingredients List: What to Avoid

1. Xanthan Gum: When this ingredient pops up in a list, you might wonder if xanthan gum is good or bad for you. Or you may have never even heard of this filler. It is used as a thickening or stabilizing agent in foods – and industrial products! Xanthan gum is made through a process involving the fermentation of sugar using a bacteria called Xanthomonas campestris. Some might assert that ingesting it in small amounts is recognized as safe. However, there is increasing concern over this ingredient, especially as its popularity rises in gluten-free products. There is evidence that xanthan gum is linked to digestive issues and even respiratory problems.

2. Cellulose: This is often used as a thickener in baking because it adds bulk without contributing too many calories. However, this addition to bakes is completely unnecessary, and adds absolutely no nutritional value. Worse, we lack the enzymes in our gut to break it down completely, and in excess it can lead to digestive discomfort, bloating, and potentially interfere with nutrition absorption. The sourcing and processing of this filler has also raised concerns since it is generally derived from wood pulp or other plant sources that might contain additives or contaminants.

3. Calcium Carbonate: Often used as an antacid or calcium supplement, calcium carbonate can also act as a filler in baking. In large amounts, it may interfere with the absorption of other minerals and lead to gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, bloating, and gas. It should also be avoided by those with kidney problems due to its probable increase of calcium levels in your body.

4. Talc: Commonly used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, talc is occasionally added to baked goods as an anti-caking agent. However, concerns have been raised about potential contamination with asbestos and its link to respiratory issues. Basically, talc is required to be asbestos-free in many countries, but this does not eliminate the risk. Health experts advise caution using talc in food products since even a slight chance of ingesting asbestos is too much. And again, a completely needless danger to your gut.

5. Potassium Bromate: A potent oxidizer that helps bread rise, potassium bromate (also labeled as bromated flour on some products) is a carcinogen that has no business in our bakes. Unfortunately, many brands still use this ingredient as the FDA asserts that in small amounts, it will not be toxic. This is blatantly false, and many experts agree that this ingredient is linked to certain cancers like kidney and thyroid cancers. Other countries have recognized the absurdity of continuing to use something so harmful, and they have completely outlawed the use of potassium bromate as a filler in food.

The takeaway: Are fillers safe? Well, according to the FDA many of these ingredients are considered “safe” in moderation. However, since they are found in a considerable amount of our foods – especially bakes – they can lead to several health complications. The best way to avoid fillers is to check your labels. Avoid ingredients like the ones mentioned above. If your label reveals components that you do not recognize, it is very likely your gut doesn’t know what to do with it either.

Why Size Doesn’t Matter

Quality over quantity. Not exactly something businesses focus on, to our detriment. This mindset has convinced many that the larger the bake, the better. More “bang for your buck.” We see this approach as superfluous, and harmful to your health. Some might perceive the bakes at Plantiful Kitchen as smaller in size when compared to conventional treats. Rest assured, our bakes are packed with ingredients that deliver on flavor and nutrients that are beneficial to your health. Think of them as compact goodness that will keep you fuller for longer. Despite their smaller size, you will find satisfaction in the flavor and sustained energy you will receive; avoiding the crashes and cravings that often accompany sugary snacks riddled with additives.

Why You Can Trust in Our Bakes

The reason our products are a better choice for your well-being is because we take our customer’s health very seriously. We are not looking for the biggest, quickest, cheapest bake. In fact, we carefully select each ingredient we use for its nutritional value to ensure every bite you take is filled with things like vitamins, essential minerals, antioxidants, and more.

We are proud to say that you will not find a single filler in any of our goods. We refuse to compromise on this point. We cannot emphasize this enough! Refined sugars? Absolutely not. Processed ingredients? Nope! Many brands out there heavily rely on fillers to bulk up their size, but we believe this to be unnecessary. We adhere to several principles like grain-free, paleo-friendly, and even vegan bakes to provide our customers with something that is both satisfying and nutrient-dense. We approve of alternatives such as almond flour, coconut oil, and coconut sugar. Because our bodies are our temples and they deserve the best!

So next time you are searching for something indulgent, remember to take quality into consideration. Order gluten free bread online, or any of our other delicious treats to avoid those nasty additives that can be a negative addition to your food intake.