Abstract: The use of a granulated xanthan gum comprising, relative to 100% by mass of the granulated xanthan gum: xanthan gum granules having a degree of hardness of 2 N or higher and lower than 8 N in an amount of 5% by mass or higher; and xanthan gum granules having a degree of hardness of 8 N or higher in an amount of 20% by mass or lower makes it possible to provide a granulated xanthan gum and a thickening composition comprising the granulated xanthan gum which undergo suppressed formation of unmixed lumps in a wide variety of water-containing foods such as water, teas, refreshing beverages, dairy beverages, soups, and thick liquid foods, even when the xanthan gum concentration is 50% by mass or higher.

Abstract: A thickening composition which contains specific amounts of a metal salt-enclosing dextrin and a thickening polysaccharide and which has a good dispersibility raises the viscosity rapidly, and has an excellent thickening effect can be produced by the steps of obtaining the metal salt-enclosing dextrin by mixing, dissolving, and homogenizing a dextrin and a metal salt in water, followed by drying, and adding the metal salt-enclosing dextrin to the thickening polysaccharide followed by mixing or granulation. The thickening composition makes it possible to provide a thickening composition which has a good dispersibility, raises the viscosity rapidly, and offers an improved thickening effect per unit mass in a wide variety of water-containing foods such as water, teas, refreshing beverages, dairy beverages, soups, and thick liquid foods.

Abstract: The use of a granulated xanthan gum comprising, relative to 100% by mass of the granulated xanthan gum: xanthan gum granules having a degree of hardness of 2 N or higher and lower than 8 N in an amount of 5% by mass or higher; and xanthan gum granules having a degree of hardness of 8 N or higher in an amount of 20% by mass or lower makes it possible to provide a granulated xanthan gum and a thickening composition comprising the granulated xanthan gum which undergo suppressed formation of unmixed lumps in a wide variety of water-containing foods such as water, teas, refreshing beverages, dairy beverages, soups, and thick liquid foods, even when the xanthan gum concentration is 50% by mass or higher.

Abstract: A thickening composition which contains specific amounts of a metal salt-enclosing dextrin and a thickening polysaccharide and which has a good dispersibility raises the viscosity rapidly, and has an excellent thickening effect can be produced by the steps of obtaining the metal salt-enclosing dextrin by mixing, dissolving, and homogenizing a dextrin and a metal salt in water, followed by drying, and adding the metal salt-enclosing dextrin to the thickening polysaccharide followed by mixing or granulation. The thickening composition makes it possible to provide a thickening composition to which has a good dispersibility, raises the viscosity rapidly, and offers an improved thickening effect per unit mass in a wide variety of water-containing foods such as water, teas, refreshing beverages, dairy beverages, soups, and thick liquid foods.

Abstract: By adding a water-soluble dietary fiber such as indigestible dextrins, branched maltodextrins, inulins, and polydextroses, into food or beverage, a salty taste of the food or beverage can be enhanced and a harsh taste of potassium salt can be masked or improved.