Ingredient · E466

Carboxymethyl Cellulose Gum

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

Role in food

Manufacturers use CMC as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a wide variety of …

What it is

Carboxymethyl cellulose gum (CMC) is a modified form of cellulose, a natural polymer found in plants. It is made by treating cellulose with chemicals to create a water-soluble substance that can thicken liquids and stabilize mixtures.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use CMC as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a wide variety of foods. It helps improve texture, prevent ingredients from separating, and create a smoother mouthfeel. You can find it in products like baked goods, ice cream, salad dressings, and sauces.

Health notes

In the United States, CMC is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. Regulatory bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated CMC and found it safe for consumption within typical dietary levels. Some research suggests CMC may have a prebiotic effect, feeding beneficial gut bacteria, but more studies are needed to fully understand its impact on human health.

Allergen info

Carboxymethyl cellulose gum is not derived from any of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Carboxymethyl Cellulose Gum

Compare products →

Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories

Cookie Kit Cookies & Biscuits High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 425kcal 5Protein 12.5Fat 75Carbs Clearwater Fine Foods Scallops & Sauce Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 129kcal 9.3Protein 7.9Fat 4.3Carbs

Catallia Mexican Foods LLC Tomato Basil Flavored Wraps, Tomato Basil Mexican Dinner Mixes 250kcal —Protein 5.9Fat 41.2Carbs

Catallia Mexican Foods LLC Garlic Herb Wraps, Garlic Herb Mexican Dinner Mixes 235kcal 7.3Protein 6.6Fat 41.2Carbs Speedway LLC Chicken Bacon Cheddar Wrap, Chicken Bacon Cheddar Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 58% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 238kcal 10.0Protein 11.7Fat 22.2Carbs

Catallia Mexican Foods LLC Spinach Flavored Wraps, Spinach Mexican Dinner Mixes —kcal 7.3Protein 5.9Fat 41.2Carbs Catallia Mexican Foods LLC White Corn Taqueria Style Mini Tortillas, White Corn Mexican Dinner Mixes 211kcal 2.6Protein 2.6Fat 42.1Carbs

Catallia Mexican Foods LLC 100% Whole Grain Flour Tortillas, 100% Whole Grain Flour Mexican Dinner Mixes 244kcal 8.9Protein 6.7Fat 40Carbs

Speedway LLC Bacon Egg Cheese Grilled Wrap, Bacon Egg Cheese Prepared Wraps and Burittos High in sodium — 42% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 42% DV per serving 258kcal 10.9Protein 12.5Fat 25Carbs Relish Labs LLC Pretzel-Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken With Butternut Squash And Broccoli, Pretzel-Crusted Honey Other Deli High in sodium — 52% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 41% DV per serving 119kcal 9.7Protein 5.3Fat 8.3Carbs Relish Labs LLC Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken With Garlic And Herb Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Other Deli High in sodium — 75% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 75% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 60% DV per serving 157kcal 10.2Protein 7.7Fat 11.1Carbs

The Kroger Co. Breakfast Burritos Bacon, Egg & Cheese Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Hot Pepper & American Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese Sauce & Green Chiles, Breakfast Burritos Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 50% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 48% DV per serving 291kcal 14.2Protein 17.3Fat 18.1Carbs

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.