Low Carb White Gravy Recipe - No Xanthan Gum - 2.5 Net Carbs (2024)

FAQs

What is a low carb alternative to xanthan gum? ›

Egg Whites

Not only can they be used to help bind ingredients together, but they can also help them rise. This makes egg whites an excellent substitution for xanthan gum in low carb cakes, quick breads, and other batter-based baked goods. Use one egg white for every tablespoon of xanthan gum in these recipes.

Xanthan gum has zero net carbs, which makes it a keto-friendly option. It's also very low in calories — a 9-gram (2 tablespoons) serving contains only 30 calories. Moreover, it has no fat or protein (*).

You'll only need about half a teaspoon of xanthan gum to thicken 3 cups of gravy. If you don't want to use a thickener you could simply make a looser "jus" by just combining all the ingredients and bringing to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and let the gravy reduce until you've reached your desired consistency.

While the results will vary per recipe, most recipes that call for xanthan gum require it to maintain structure and rise. However, some recipes can be made successfully without xanthan gum, with an adequate amount of liquid, butter, eggs and oil, even if the recipe itself calls for it.

Ground flaxseed (flax meal) is commonly as an egg-free option in recipes including bread, cake and muffins. It can be also used as a thickening agent in sauces and soups. Simply mix a small amount of flax meal with water to form a gel-like consistency, and then add it to your dish.

Xanthan gum comes from the secretions of the Xanthom*onas campestris bacteria after a glucose-induced fermentation process. Apart from guar gum (which is extracted from natural guar beans), psyllium husk powder seems a "healthier choice".

While xanthan gum also works to keep a gluten-free batter together, psyllium has a level of bounciness that you can never achieve with the former. Xanthan is best suited for cakes, cookies, brownies, or pie dough, while psyllium husk works miracles in breads.

Macro Xanthan Gum (0.5 tsp) contains 1.8g total carbs, 0.1g net carbs, 0.1g fat, 0.1g protein, and 3 calories.

Xanthan Gum Can Cause Digestive Issues

Increased frequency of bowel movements. Increased stool output. Softer stools. Increased gas.

Xanthan gum

Used for baking or thickening soups or sauces, xanthan gum has zero net carbs. Use in small amounts and be sure to sprinkle the thickener into soups or sauces a little at a time so that it doesn't clump. Also, too much xanthan gum can yield a gummy or slimy texture, so it's best to use minimal amounts.

How do you thicken soup on a low carb diet? ›

There are several keto-friendly ingredients that can help thicken your soup without adding unnecessary carbs. Some options include xanthan gum, coconut flour, almond flour, psyllium husk powder, and cream cheese. These ingredients will add thickness without compromising the keto-friendly nature of your soup.

Xanthan gum is safe when up to 15 grams per day are taken. It can cause some side effects such as intestinal gas (flatulence) and bloating. People who are exposed to xanthan gum powder might experience flu-like symptoms, nose and throat irritation, and lung problems.

The ratio is an easy one to remember: Use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per 1 cup of liquid for a perfect gluten-free gravy thickener every time.

Thickener: Xanthan gum can be used to thicken a recipe. Things like gravies, soups, and stews all need a starchy element to help them come together and give a good mouthfeel. Some substitutes are things like tapioca starch, potato starch, corn starch and rice starch.