A thickening composition characterized by containing xanthan gumhaving per 100 parts by weight thereof, 0.5 part by weight ormore of metal salt bound on the surface of xanthan gum powder.This thickening composition is capable of convenient viscositydevelopment by addition to water-containing objects. Thus, thethickening composition is suitable for use in, for example, foodapplication for convenient thickening of soft drink, basting,sauce, dressing, soup, mousse, jelly, etc., or application forviscosity development by addition of a small amount thereof tomeals for patients having difficulty in mastication/swallowingdue to eating disorder, etc.
