Various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to aqueous-coating compositions and thickening systems that can be used in aqueous coating-compositions. More particularly, certain non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein relate to aqueous-coating compositions, such as latex paints, comprising xanthan gum and at least one ester of an unsaturated fatty acid that is essentially free of volatile organic compounds as determined by EPA Reference Method 24. Other non-limiting embodiments relate to thickening systems comprising a mixture of a xanthan gum and at least one ester of an unsaturated fatty acid, wherein the thickening system is essentially free of volatile organic compounds as determined by EPA Reference Method 24. Still other non-limiting embodiments relate to methods of making and using the aqueous coating-compositions and thickening systems disclosed herein.