Loading…
Quick answer: Xanthan Gum carries the heavier risk profile. Neotame is — in the EU and — in the US; Xanthan Gum is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Neotame | Xanthan Gum |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | — | Allowed |
| US status | — | Allowed |
| Risk level | — | low |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | European Union (ADI 2 mg/kg body weight), Australia, Canada | — |
| Category | additive | additive |
| Where it hides | — | Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, Breyers Ice Cream |
Neotame is a synthetic dipeptide sweetener — a derivative of aspartame with a 3,3-dimethylbutyl group added to block aspartame's metabolism, preventing the release of phenylalanine. This means it is safe for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), unlike aspartame. It is approximately 7,000-13,000 times sweeter than sucrose.
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by fermentation of sugars by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is a white to off-white powder that dissolves in cold or hot water to form a viscous gel. It is widely used as a thickener and stabilizer and is a key ingredient in gluten-free baking.
Neotame: Neotame is one of the newer synthetic sweeteners with a shorter safety track record. A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that neotame damaged intestinal epithelial cells in vitro and disrupted the gut microbiome in mice — including reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing bacterial invasion of intestinal cells. The study observed effects at concentrations that could be achievable through high consumption of neotame-containing products. The FDA has set an ADI of 0.3 mg/kg/day, one of the lower sweetener ADIs, reflecting a conservative safety margin. Limited long-term human safety data exist compared to aspartame, acesulfame K, or saccharin, which have been used for decades. EFSA's 2010 opinion found no safety concern at permitted levels. The Frontiers in Nutrition 2023 gut study represents new concerning findings that warrant further investigation.
Xanthan Gum: Generally recognized as safe by both FDA and EFSA. At high doses, xanthan gum can have laxative effects due to its fermentable fiber content, producing gas and bloating in some individuals. A 2011 case report in the journal Pediatrics raised concerns about xanthan gum in infant formula (as 'Simply Thick') being associated with necrotizing enterocolitis; the FDA subsequently advised against its use in premature infants. For healthy adults consuming normal food amounts, it poses no significant health risk.
Scan a barcode and we'll flag both Neotame and Xanthan Gum (plus 140+ other ingredients banned overseas).
Scan free →