Ingredient · E466

Carboxy Methyl Cellulose

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
CMC is used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and binder in a wide variety …

What it is

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a modified form of cellulose, a natural fiber found in plants. It is produced by chemically treating cellulose to make it soluble in water. This process results in a white, odorless powder that dissolves easily.

Why it's used

CMC is used as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and binder in a wide variety of foods. It helps improve texture and prevent ingredients from separating. You can find it in products like ice cream, baked goods, salad dressings, and beverages.

Health notes

In the U.S., CMC is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. International bodies like JECFA have also evaluated CMC and found it safe for consumption. Studies on CMC generally show it passes through the digestive system without being absorbed, and it is not associated with significant health concerns at typical dietary levels.

Allergen info

Carboxymethyl cellulose is not derived from any of the major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Carboxy Methyl Cellulose

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
DEL SUR Soursop In Syrup Pickles, Olives, Peppers & Relishes 83kcal 0Protein 0Fat 20Carbs AIMAN FOOD AND BEVERAGES CO. Tropical Frutaz Mixed Fruit Drink, Tropical Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks High in added sugars — 46% DV per serving 56kcal 0Protein 0Fat 14Carbs AFABCOAIMAN FOOD AND BEVERAGES CO. Mango Fruit Drink, Mango Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks High in added sugars — 46% DV per serving 52kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13Carbs Big Shot Records Coconut Milk Plant Based Milk High in saturated fat — 70% DV per serving 212kcal 2.5Protein 20Fat 5Carbs Artesani Inc. Essentials Aloe Vera Juice Drink Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 29kcal 0Protein 0Fat 7.4Carbs Cake Craft, LLC Vanilla Flavored Fondant, Vanilla Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 371kcal 0Protein 2.9Fat 91.4Carbs Cranberry Mango Juice Cocktail From Concentrate, Cranberry Mango Aston Global Inc Cranberry Mango Juice Cocktail From Concentrate, Cranberry Mango Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks High in added sugars — 48% DV per serving 49kcal 0Protein 0Fat 11.7Carbs Meijer, Inc. Vanilla Cream Puffs, Vanilla Other Frozen Desserts High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 280kcal 5.3Protein 18.7Fat 24Carbs Harris-Teeter Inc. Chocolate Dipped Cream Puffs, Chocolate Dipped Other Frozen Desserts High in saturated fat — 75% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 28% DV per serving 391kcal 5.8Protein 27.6Fat 32.2Carbs Harris-Teeter Inc. Chocolate Covered Mini Eclairs, Chocolate Covered Other Frozen Desserts High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 23% DV per serving 267kcal 6.1Protein 15.8Fat 26.7Carbs Coconut Milk JFC International Inc. Coconut Milk Plant Based Milk High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 175kcal 1.2Protein 17.5Fat 3.8Carbs Cedar Knoll Farm Spicy Guys, Original Spice Pretzels Chips, Pretzels & Snacks High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 395kcal 7.0Protein 16.3Fat 60.5Carbs
Water (35 products) Sugar (20 products) Guar Gum (19 products) Salt (15 products) Citric Acid (13 products) Carrageenan (13 products) Mono- And Diglycerides (11 products) Palm Oil (9 products) Isolated Soy Protein (8 products) Glucose Syrup (8 products)

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.