Ingredient · E466

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
CMC is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many foods. It helps improve …

What is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose?

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a modified form of cellulose, a natural fiber found in plants. It is made by treating cellulose with chemicals to make it soluble in water. This process creates a white, odorless powder that dissolves easily.

Is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose vegan?

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose gluten-free?

It does not contain gluten.

Is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose a major allergen?

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is not derived from any of the major allergens recognized by the FDA.

What is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose used for?

CMC is used as a thickener and stabilizer in many foods.

Is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose safe?

In the U.S., CMC is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.

Why it's used

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

Health notes

In the U.S., CMC is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is not absorbed by the body and passes through undigested. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have also evaluated CMC and found it safe for use in food. There are no widespread health concerns associated with its consumption at typical levels.

Allergen info

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

Foods that contain Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

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Gingerbread Reindeer & Sleigh CREATE A TREAT Gingerbread Reindeer & Sleigh Cookies & Biscuits High in added sugars — 32% DV per serving 424kcal 3.0Protein 10.6Fat 78.8Carbs Unsweetened Coconut Milk, Unsweetened Topco Associates, Inc. Unsweetened Coconut Milk, Unsweetened Plant Based Milk High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 177kcal 0Protein 17.7Fat 2.5Carbs Plain Bagels GS1 Ireland Plain Bagels Frozen Bread & Dough 160kcal 4.5Protein 1.8Fat 27.8Carbs Icing Decoration Wilton Industries Inc. Icing Decoration Baking Decorations & Dessert Toppings 417kcal 0Protein 0Fat 83.3Carbs Unsweetened Coconut Milk, Unsweetened Simply Asia Foods, Inc. Unsweetened Coconut Milk, Unsweetened Plant Based Milk High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 125kcal 0Protein 12.5Fat 2.5Carbs Malony Harusame Saifun Japanese Style Alimentary Paste JFC International Inc. Malony Harusame Saifun Japanese Style Alimentary Paste All Noodles 351kcal 0Protein 0Fat 89.5Carbs Passion Fruit Nectar, Passion Fruit Suiza Dairy Corporation Passion Fruit Nectar, Passion Fruit Fruit & Vegetable Juice, Nectars & Fruit Drinks High in added sugars — 56% DV per serving 50kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.8Carbs Chicken Flavor Pozole Instant Ramen Soup, Chicken Artlab Limited Chicken Flavor Pozole Instant Ramen Soup, Chicken All Noodles High in sodium — 78% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving 409kcal 11.2Protein 27.5Fat 77.5Carbs Brown Sugar Boba, Brown Sugar ORBITEL INTERNATIONAL LLC Brown Sugar Boba, Brown Sugar Other Snacks High in added sugars — 28% DV per serving 233kcal 0Protein 0Fat 58.3Carbs Beef Flavor Instant Ramen Soup, Beef Artlab Limited Beef Flavor Instant Ramen Soup, Beef All Noodles High in sodium — 78% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving 409kcal 11.2Protein 27.5Fat 77.5Carbs Sweetened Condensed Creamer, Sweetened Jans Enterprises Corp. Sweetened Condensed Creamer, Sweetened Milk Additives High in added sugars — 36% DV per serving 433kcal 3.3Protein 13.3Fat 73.3Carbs Coconut Milk Hy-Vee, Inc. Coconut Milk Baking Additives & Extracts High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 177kcal 0Protein 17.7Fat 2.5Carbs
Corn Starch (46564 products) Xanthan Gum (44607 products) Guar Gum (30518 products) Modified Corn Starch (24341 products) Carrageenan (21926 products) Modified Food Starch (20590 products) Cellulose Gum (14096 products) Pectin (12231 products)

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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.