Ingredient · E461

Methyl Cellulose

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use methyl cellulose as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It helps improve the …

What it is

Methyl cellulose is a modified cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp or cotton. It is made by treating cellulose with chemicals to add methyl groups, which changes its properties. It is a white, powdery substance that dissolves in water.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use methyl cellulose as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It helps improve the texture and consistency of foods. It is often found in baked goods, frozen desserts, and processed foods.

Health notes

Methyl cellulose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a type of dietary fiber and may contribute to digestive health. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated it. Evidence does not suggest adverse health effects at typical consumption levels.

Allergen info

Methyl cellulose is not derived from any of the 9 major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Methyl Cellulose

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PROMISE GLUTEN Low Fat White Loaf Bread Breads & Buns 209kcal 4.5Protein 1.5Fat 43.3Carbs PROMISE GLUTEN FREE BAKERY Chia Seed Loaf Frozen Bread & Dough 224kcal 6.0Protein 3.7Fat 43.3Carbs Quinoa & Brown Rice Protein Burgers, Quinoa & Brown Rice FRY GROUP FOODS (PTY) LTD Quinoa & Brown Rice Protein Burgers, Quinoa & Brown Rice Frozen Patties and Burgers High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 240kcal 12.9Protein 15.2Fat 13.8Carbs Rice Protein & Chia Nuggets Rolled Into A Light Gluten Free Crumb, Rice Protein & Chia FRY GROUP FOODS Rice Protein & Chia Nuggets Rolled Into A Light Gluten Free Crumb, Rice Protein & Chia Vegetarian Frozen Meats High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 367kcal 13.5Protein 24Fat 20Carbs Meat Free Tempura Battered Prawn-Style Pieces With Chopped Nori And Coated In A Lemon Infused Batter, Meat Free Tempura Battered Prawn-Style FRY GROUP FOODS Meat Free Tempura Battered Prawn-Style Pieces With Chopped Nori And Coated In A Lemon Infused Batter, Meat Free Tempura Battered Prawn-Style Vegetarian Frozen Meats High in sodium — 29% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 26% DV per serving 342kcal 18.2Protein 18.4Fat 20.8Carbs Mini Bagels Topped With Cheese, Pepperoni Made With Pork And Chicken Added, And Tomato Sauce, Cheese & Pepperoni Kraft Heinz Foods Company Mini Bagels Topped With Cheese, Pepperoni Made With Pork And Chicken Added, And Tomato Sauce, Cheese & Pepperoni Pizza 216kcal 8.0Protein 6.8Fat 30.7Carbs Heinz Frozen Food Company Pizza Snacks! Pizza 193kcal 8.0Protein 5.1Fat 30.7Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Mini Bagels Topped With Cheese, Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza 227kcal 8.0Protein 6.8Fat 31.8Carbs Kraft Heinz Foods Company Cheese, Sausage & Pepperoni Mini Bagels Topped With Cheese, Sausage, And Pepperoni Made With Pork And Chicken Added, And Tomato Sauce Pizza Snacks!, Cheese, Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza 216kcal 8.0Protein 5.7Fat 30.7Carbs Heinz Frozen Food Company Pizza Snacks! Pizza 239kcal 8.0Protein 6.8Fat 37.5Carbs Mini Bagels Topped With Cheese, Pepperoni Made With Pork And Chicken Added, And Tomato Sauce Pizza Snacks, Cheese & Pepperoni Heinz Frozen Food Company Mini Bagels Topped With Cheese, Pepperoni Made With Pork And Chicken Added, And Tomato Sauce Pizza Snacks, Cheese & Pepperoni Pizza 216kcal 8.0Protein 6.8Fat 30.7Carbs Three Cheese Mini Bagels With Mozzarella, Cheddar, Monterey Jack Cheeses And Tomato Sauce, Three Cheese Kraft Heinz Foods Company Three Cheese Mini Bagels With Mozzarella, Cheddar, Monterey Jack Cheeses And Tomato Sauce, Three Cheese Pizza 227kcal 8.0Protein 5.7Fat 36.4Carbs
Water (158 products) Salt (114 products) Natural Flavors (110 products) Sugar (99 products) Citric Acid (89 products) Yeast (77 products) Wheat Flour (67 products) Guar Gum (65 products) Spices (65 products) Corn Starch (62 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.