Ingredient · E466

CMC

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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

CMC stands for carboxymethylcellulose. It is a modified form of cellulose, a natural fiber found in plants. It is made by treating cellulose with chemicals to give it new properties.

Why it's used

CMC is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many foods. It helps prevent ingredients from separating and gives foods a smoother texture. You can find it in products like ice cream, salad dressings, baked goods, and beverages.

Health notes

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. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated CMC and found it to have no safety concerns at typical intake levels. Some studies suggest it may have a mild effect on gut bacteria, but more research is needed.

Allergen info

CMC is derived from cellulose, which is not one of the FDA's major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing CMC

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FRESH FINDS Coconut Milk Plant Based Milk High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 21kcal 0.4Protein 1.9Fat 1.2Carbs Premium Orange Extra Pulp LOTTE CHILSUNG BEVERAGE CO., LTD. Premium Orange Extra Pulp Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 55kcal 0Protein 0Fat 12.6Carbs Unique Products, Inc. Honey Ginger Tea Other Drinks 275kcal 0Protein 0Fat 70Carbs Conchita Foods, Inc. Peach Nectar Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 63kcal 0Protein 0Fat 16.0Carbs Nectar, Pear Conchita Foods, Inc. Nectar, Pear Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 65kcal 0Protein 0Fat 16.5Carbs Wild Berry Water With Pure Leaf, Wild Berry Mr. Beverages Old Time Cocktail Mixes Wild Berry Water With Pure Leaf, Wild Berry Plant Based Water 42kcal 0Protein 0Fat 10Carbs Rhee Bros. Inc. Sac Sac Fruit Juice, Orange Other Drinks 55kcal 0Protein 0Fat 12.6Carbs Guava Nectar Conchita Foods, Inc. Guava Nectar Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 65kcal 0Protein 0Fat 18Carbs Guava Nectar Conchita Foods, Inc. Guava Nectar Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 80kcal 0Protein 0.6Fat 18.4Carbs Mango Nectar With Vitamin A & C Conchita Foods, Inc. Mango Nectar With Vitamin A & C Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 80kcal 0Protein 0.6Fat 18.4Carbs Vela Farms LLC Rosemary Jelly Jam, Jelly & Fruit Spreads 265kcal 0Protein 0Fat 70.6Carbs Rje Trade International, Inc. Mountain High Premium Coffee, Instant Cappuccino, Vanilla, Vanilla Powdered Drinks 415kcal 2.9Protein 14.2Fat 68.8Carbs
Water (65 products) Citric Acid (38 products) Sugar (35 products) Xanthan Gum (28 products) Ascorbic Acid (21 products) Salt (18 products) Thiamine Mononitrate (16 products) Niacin (14 products) Corn Starch (14 products) Corn Syrup (14 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.