Ingredient · E461

Methyl Cellulose Gum

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers use methyl cellulose gum as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It helps improve …

What it is

Methyl cellulose gum is a plant-derived food additive. It is made by chemically modifying cellulose, a natural fiber found in plant cell walls. The process involves treating cellulose with methyl chloride and sodium hydroxide.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use methyl cellulose gum as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It helps improve the texture and consistency of foods. It is commonly found in baked goods, desserts, and processed foods like snack bars.

Health notes

In the U.S., methyl cellulose gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is poorly absorbed by the body and is often used as a dietary fiber supplement. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated methyl cellulose gum. While generally considered safe, consuming large amounts may cause digestive discomfort.

Allergen info

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

Products containing Methyl Cellulose Gum

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FILLED GOURMET Chocolate Marshmallow Jumbo Cupcake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving High in added sugars — 56% DV per serving 376kcal 3.5Protein 20Fat 49.4Carbs Dawn Food Products, Inc. Eye Poppin' Pink Decorating Icing Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 514kcal 0Protein 28.6Fat 62.9Carbs Schulze & Burch Biscuit Co. Apple Cinnamon Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars, Apple Cinnamon Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 378kcal 8.1Protein 8.1Fat 67.6Carbs Schulze & Burch Biscuit Co. Strawberry Fruit & Grain Soft Baked Bars, Strawberry Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in added sugars — 26% DV per serving 351kcal 2.7Protein 5.4Fat 70.3Carbs Schulze & Burch Biscuit Co. Apple Cinnamon Fruit & Grain Soft Baked Bars, Apple Cinnamon Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 351kcal 2.7Protein 6.8Fat 70.3Carbs

Family Dollar Stores Inc. Strawberry Fruit & Grain Breakfast Bars, Strawberry Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 378kcal 8.1Protein 8.1Fat 67.6Carbs Super Store Industries Strawberry Fruit & Grain Low Fat Cereal Bars, Strawberry Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 378kcal 8.1Protein 8.1Fat 67.6Carbs

Stater Bros. Markets Inc. Strawberry Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars, Strawberry Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 378kcal 8.1Protein 8.1Fat 67.6Carbs

Stater Bros. Markets Inc. Apple Cinnamon Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars, Apple Cinnamon Fruit & Grain Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 378kcal 8.1Protein 8.1Fat 67.6Carbs

Family Dollar Stores Inc. Blueberry Fruit & Grain Breakfast Bars, Blueberry Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 378kcal 8.1Protein 8.1Fat 67.6Carbs Super Store Industries Apple Cinnamon Fruit & Grain Bars, Apple Cinnamon Snack, Energy & Granola Bars High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 378kcal 8.1Protein 8.1Fat 67.6Carbs Dawn Food Products, Inc. Cake Boss, Frosting, Whole Lotta Chocolate, Whole Lotta Chocolate Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 486kcal 0Protein 28.6Fat 62.9Carbs

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.