Ingredient · E466

Carboxmethylcellulose

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

No

Role in food

CMC is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many foods. It helps prevent …

What it is

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a modified cellulose, a common plant fiber. It is made by treating cellulose with chemicals to make it soluble in water. CMC is a white, odorless powder that dissolves in water to form a thick liquid.

Why it's used

CMC is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many foods. It helps prevent ice crystals from forming in ice cream and frozen desserts, and keeps ingredients from separating in baked goods. It is also used in salad dressings, sauces, and beverages.

Health notes

In the US, CMC is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is not metabolized by the body and passes through undigested. JECFA has evaluated CMC and established an acceptable daily intake. Some studies suggest high intakes of CMC may affect gut bacteria, but evidence at typical dietary levels is mixed.

Allergen info

Carboxymethylcellulose is derived from cellulose, which comes from plants. It is not a major allergen and does not contain gluten.

Products containing Carboxmethylcellulose

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OVER THE TOP Yummy Yellow Premium Cake Mix Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes 395kcal 4.7Protein 9.3Fat 79.1Carbs OVER THE TOP So Chocolate Premium Cake Mix Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes 395kcal 4.7Protein 7.0Fat 76.7Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC Brown Butter Pecan Gelato, Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 49% DV per serving High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving 251kcal 3.1Protein 18.0Fat 21.9Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC Chocolate Gelato, Chocolate Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 36% DV per serving High in added sugars — 40% DV per serving 177kcal 3.9Protein 9.4Fat 23.4Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC Espresso Chip Artisan Gelato, Espresso Chip Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 42% DV per serving High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving 189kcal 3.1Protein 10.2Fat 22.7Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC Salty Caramel Cashew Artisan Gelato, Salty Caramel Cashew Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 39% DV per serving High in added sugars — 42% DV per serving 220kcal 3.9Protein 12.5Fat 25Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC Stracciatella Artisan Gelato, Stracciatella Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 42% DV per serving High in added sugars — 40% DV per serving 191kcal 3.1Protein 10.2Fat 22.7Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC Toasted Coconut Artisan Galato, Toasted Coconut Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving 179kcal 3.1Protein 9.4Fat 22.7Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC White Chocolate Peppermint Gelato, White Chocolate Peppermint Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 53% DV per serving High in added sugars — 68% DV per serving 252kcal 3.9Protein 11.7Fat 36.7Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC Amarena Cherry Gelato, Amarena Cherry Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 32% DV per serving High in added sugars — 36% DV per serving 185kcal 3.1Protein 7.8Fat 26.6Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC Banana Cream Pie Artisan Gelato, Banana Cream Pie Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 33% DV per serving High in added sugars — 38% DV per serving 179kcal 3.1Protein 8.6Fat 24.2Carbs SureGreen Mulch, LLC Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Artisan Gelato, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt High in saturated fat — 41% DV per serving High in added sugars — 46% DV per serving 208kcal —Protein 10.2Fat 27.3Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.