Ingredient · E466

Carboxymethyl Cellulose

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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

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a type of modified cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. It is made by treating cellulose with chemicals to add carboxymethyl groups, making it soluble in water.

Why it's used

CMC is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many foods. It helps prevent ingredients from separating and gives products a smoother texture. It is commonly found in ice cream, baked goods, sauces, and dressings.

Health notes

In the US, CMC is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food additive. It is poorly absorbed by the body and is considered to have low toxicity. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated CMC and found it safe for consumption within typical dietary levels. Some studies have explored its potential effects on gut health, but more research is needed.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Carboxymethyl Cellulose

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SPARTAN Spartan, Cream Puffs, Vanilla Other Frozen Desserts High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 32% DV per serving 320kcal 5.3Protein 24Fat 21.3Carbs LETTIERI'S Ham, Egg & Cheese Stacker Squares Breakfast Sandwiches, Biscuits & Meals High in sodium — 46% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 38% DV per serving 221kcal 11.0Protein 10.3Fat 20Carbs CHYUAN JEOU RONG ENTERPRISE CO. LTD. E-Ben, Cumquat Lemon Juice, Lemon Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 47kcal 0Protein 0Fat 11.7Carbs J - LEK J - Lek, Spring Roll Sauce Other Cooking Sauces 200kcal 0Protein 0Fat 50Carbs Sorbet A La Framboise PREFERRED SELECTION Sorbet A La Framboise Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 138kcal 0Protein 0Fat 32.5Carbs Sorbet Au Citron Premium Lemon Flavor Sorbet, Sorbet Au Citron PREFERRED SELECTION Sorbet Au Citron Premium Lemon Flavor Sorbet, Sorbet Au Citron Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 125kcal 0Protein 0Fat 30Carbs Pink Sugar BAKERSFIELD Pink Sugar Granulated, Brown & Powdered Sugar 375kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs DR. OETKER Dr. Oetker, Black Forest Cake Mix Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes 314kcal 2.9Protein 2.9Fat 71.4Carbs CHOCOLATERA DE NAYARIT, S.A. DE C.V. Purple Sugar Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 375kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs Purple Sugar Pearls CHOCOLATERA DE NAYARIT, S.A. DE C.V. Purple Sugar Pearls Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 375kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs CHOCOLATERA DE NAYARIT, S.A. DE C.V. Yellow Sugar Pearls, Yellow Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 375kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs CHOCOLATERA DE NAYARIT Green Sugar Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 375kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs
Water (167 products) Sugar (150 products) Salt (124 products) Citric Acid (102 products) Corn Starch (82 products) Niacin (80 products) Xanthan Gum (80 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (75 products) Riboflavin (75 products) Folic Acid (75 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.