A thickening composition contains xanthan gum having per 100 parts by weight thereof, at least 0.5 parts by weight or more of metal salt bound on the surface of xanthan gum powder. This thickening composition is capable of convenient viscosity development by addition to water-containing objects. Thus, the thickening composition is suitable for use in, for example, food applications for convenient thickening of soft drinks, basting, sauce, dressing, soup, mousse, jelly, or the like, or application for viscosity development by addition of a small amount thereof to meals for patients having difficulty in mastication/swallowing, for example due to eating disorder.