Suma xanthan gum is a binder used in gluten free cooking it can thicken and emulsify ingredients in recipes if you dont add xanthan gums to most of your gluten free baked goods they will likely end up as a pile of crumbs food wise xanthan gum can be used for sauces and salad dressings the powder prevents the oil separation by stabilising the emulsion xanthan gum can help to suspend solid particles like spices