Storing any powdery ingredient is a bit confusing. With your dairy-free milks and some veggies, it’s easy to tell that you can just put them in your fridge.
But when you purchase something like xanthan gum, it’s not as clear. The little bag of powder isn’t cold, so it doesn’t look like it should go in the fridge. But does that mean it should go in your pantry?
It’s understandable if you’re not sure how to store your xanthan gum. We’ll let you know what to do with it to ensure that you can improve its shelf stability.
How to Store Xanthan Gum
Storing xanthan gum is fairly easy. Once you’ve opened the bag, just put the remaining powder into a container that you can seal up, like a plastic bag or Tupperware.
Sealing it up in an airtight container will protect it from any pests. Once it’s sealed, simply put it somewhere it won’t be exposed to light, like in a cupboard or a pantry.
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Does Xanthan Gum Need to Be Refrigerated?
For many other types of foods, storage in a fridge or freezer can greatly lengthen their shelf life – sometimes well past the “use by” date. Despite that, storing xanthan gum in your fridge isn’t recommended.
The problem with storing gum in a fridge or freezer is that the gum will clump together as it gets cooler. If this isn’t a problem for you, then you certainly can store it in your fridge or freezer, but you’ll need to give it time to reach room temperature again first prior to using it in a recipe.
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How Long Does it Take for Xanthan Gum to Expire?
Xanthan gum naturally has a long shelf life already. Storing it properly ensures it will last even longer, though.
In fact, keeping it in an airtight container in a dark place will allow you to keep the gum for up to three years. Make sure you pay attention to the instructions and the expiration date on the package, just to be safe.
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Given that it’s a long time, you may want to write the date on the container you keep the gum in so you know when to dispose of it.
Wrap Up
Xanthan gum is a wonderful stabilizer when it comes to baking, especially if you’re trying to go gluten-free. Knowing how to store it correctly will help you guarantee you use as much of it as you can before it expires.
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Are you looking to try xanthan gum for the first time, but don’t know where to get it? You can read our guide to where to find xanthan gum in the grocery store.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
