Ingredient · E466

E466

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use CMC as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in foods. It helps prevent …

What it is

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a modified cellulose, a common plant fiber. It is made by treating cellulose from wood pulp or cotton with chemicals. CMC is soluble in water and acts as a thickener and stabilizer.

Why it's used

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

Health notes

In the U.S., CMC is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated CMC. Studies on CMC have generally found it to be safe when consumed in amounts typically found in food. Some research suggests it may affect gut bacteria, but more study is needed.

Allergen info

CMC is derived from plant cellulose and is not one of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing E466

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PRI TRIP Soft Drink Soda —kcal 0Protein 0Fat 11Carbs Suchard Chocolate Powder-Instant Premium 1 Kg Suchard Chocolate Powder-Instant Premium 1 Kg Non Alcoholic Beverages Not Ready to Drink —kcal 7.8Protein 3.4Fat —Carbs Stimorol Fusion Gum Strawberry And Lime Confectionery Products 184kcal 1.5Protein 1.5Fat —Carbs NOT A BRANDED ITEM Cheese Croquettes, Cheese Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 25% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 200kcal 6.7Protein 7.8Fat 22.2Carbs BADELLI Coconut Milk Baking Additives & Extracts High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 56kcal 0Protein 5.6Fat 0Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Miracle Whip Light Dressing Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise High in sodium — 37% DV per serving 126kcal 0.2Protein 9Fat 11Carbs Big Shot Records Coconut Milk Plant Based Milk High in saturated fat — 70% DV per serving 212kcal 2.5Protein 20Fat 5Carbs Sugar-Free Syrup, Vanilla Starbucks Coffee Company Sugar-Free Syrup, Vanilla Syrups & Molasses 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Starbucks Coffee Company Caramel Flavoured Sugar-Free Syrup, Caramel Syrups & Molasses 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs Golden Beach, Inc. Coconut Milk Plant Based Milk High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 75kcal 1.2Protein 7.5Fat 1.2Carbs Montalvan's Sales Coco Tropical, Coconut Juice With Pulp Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks 43kcal 0Protein 0Fat 10.3Carbs Whipped Topping Royal Wine Corporation Whipped Topping Cream 286kcal 0Protein 21.4Fat 14.3Carbs
Water (18 products) Sugar (10 products) E412 (8 products) E435 (7 products) Citric Acid (5 products) Maltodextrin (5 products) Salt (5 products) Polysorbate 60 (5 products) E415 (5 products) Emulsifier (4 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.