Ingredient · E466

Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

SCMC is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a wide variety of …

What it is

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) is a modified form of cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. It is made by treating cellulose with sodium hydroxide and sodium chloroacetate. This process makes it soluble in water and gives it thickening and stabilizing properties.

Why it's used

SCMC is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a wide variety of foods. It helps to improve texture, prevent ingredients from separating, and create a smoother mouthfeel. You can find it in baked goods, dairy products, dressings, sauces, and beverages.

Health notes

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food. It is poorly absorbed by the body and is mostly eliminated undigested. International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated SCMC and found it to be safe at typical consumption levels. There are no significant health controversies associated with its use at these levels.

Allergen info

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose is not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

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PUBLIX BAKERY Powdered Donut Holes Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 388kcal 4.1Protein 18.4Fat 49.0Carbs PROMISE GLUTEN Low Fat White Loaf Bread Breads & Buns 209kcal 4.5Protein 1.5Fat 43.3Carbs Conagra Brands BANQUET Homestyle Bakes Sausage Biscuit Gravy, 28.1 OZ Prepared/Preserved Foods Variety Packs High in sodium — 45% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 196kcal 4.5Protein 10.6Fat 20.1Carbs Conagra Brands BANQUET Sausage And Gravy Cornbread, 29.9 OZ Prepared/Preserved Foods Variety Packs High in sodium — 42% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 203kcal 3.3Protein 8.5Fat 27.4Carbs Riverside Foods Cheddar Cheese Jalapeno Snappers 4655 Cheese/Cheese Substitutes High in sodium — 50% DV per serving 177kcal 6Protein 6Fat 25Carbs GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Betty Crocker French Vanilla Mousse Chilled Treats 4 Count Baking/Cooking Mixes/Supplies High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 397kcal 1.6Protein 9.5Fat 74.6Carbs GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Betty Crocker Key Lime Mousse Chilled Treats 4 Count Baking/Cooking Mixes/Supplies 365kcal 1.6Protein 7.1Fat 74.6Carbs Topco Associates, Inc. Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Pasta Dinners High in sodium — 24% DV per serving 371kcal 12.9Protein 2.9Fat 71.4Carbs

Topco Associates, Inc. Pediatric Oral Electrolyte Solution Freezer Pops Variety Pack, Blue Raspberry, Grape, Orange, Cherry Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt 12kcal 0Protein 0Fat 2.4Carbs

Freedom Bakery LLC Gluten Free Doughnut Minis, Doughnut Minis Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving High in added sugars — 50% DV per serving 364kcal 6.5Protein 13.0Fat 57.1Carbs

Freedom Bakery LLC Doughnut Minis Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in added sugars — 48% DV per serving 364kcal 3.9Protein 14.3Fat 55.8Carbs Maplehurst Bakeries, LLC Mini Chocolate Cupcakes With Buttercreme & Chocolate Icing, Mini Chocolate Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes 352kcal 2.8Protein 12.7Fat 57.8Carbs

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.