Xanthan Gum is a plant-based thickening and stabilizing agent. It is an essential ingredient for gluten free baking, as gluten gives the dough elasticity as well as viscosity, and Xanthan gum helps replicate these properties in those recipes that do not contain gluten. It acts as an emulsifier and a binder, and adds volume to gluten free breads, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods.