Comparing E412 - Guar gum vs E461 - methyl cellulose

Synonyms
E412
Guar gum
Gum cyamopsis
guar flour
E461
methyl cellulose
methylcellulose
Products

Found in 26,749 products

Found in 1,525 products

Search rank & volume
#7633.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#13311K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×0.18
under-aware

×1.05
normal

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions
  1. Is guar gum bad for you?

    No—E412 (guar gum) is generally recognized as safe at typical food levels. As a soluble fiber it can cause gas or loose stools in some people, and concentrated tablets or dry powder taken without enough liquid have been linked to blockage risks.

  2. What is guar gum made from?

    It’s a galactomannan polysaccharide made from the endosperm of guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), processed into an off‑white powder.

  3. Is guar gum bad for cats?

    It’s generally considered safe at the small amounts used as a thickener in many canned cat foods. Some cats may get soft stools or gas, especially if sensitive, so monitor tolerance and consult a vet if issues arise.

  4. Can dogs have guar gum?

    Yes—at the low levels used in commercial dog foods it’s considered safe. Too much may cause gas or diarrhea, so introduce new foods gradually and watch your dog’s tolerance.

  5. Is guar gum bad for dogs?

    Not at typical food levels; it’s widely used as a safe thickener in dog foods. Large amounts may upset the stomach (gas, loose stools).

  1. What is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose?

    Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (often labeled E464) is a cellulose ether closely related to methyl cellulose (E461), made by adding methyl and hydroxypropyl groups to plant cellulose. It’s used as a thickener, stabilizer, and film‑former that dissolves in cold water and gels on heating.

  2. Is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose safe?

    Yes—regulators (e.g., EFSA/JECFA) consider it safe for use in foods, with no numerical ADI needed at reported uses, and it is GRAS in the U.S. Because it isn’t digested, large amounts may cause gas, bloating, or a laxative effect in some people.

  3. What is methylcellulose in food?

    Methylcellulose (E461) is a plant‑derived cellulose derivative used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabiliser that dissolves in cold water and gels when heated. It improves texture, retains moisture, and helps prevent separation in products like sauces, desserts, and meat alternatives.

  4. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose para que sirve?

    La hidroxipropilmetilcelulosa es un derivado de la celulosa, emparentado con la metilcelulosa (E461), que se usa como espesante, estabilizante y formador de película. En alimentos mejora la textura y la retención de agua, y en fármacos se emplea como excipiente y para recubrimientos o cápsulas.

  5. Is methylcellulose vegan?

    Yes—methylcellulose is derived from plant cellulose and contains no animal‑derived ingredients. It’s generally considered vegan, though finished products may include other non‑vegan components.