Comparing E460 - Cellulose vs E461 - methyl cellulose

Synonyms
E460
Cellulose
cellulose powder to prevent caking
cellulose powder added to prevent caking
E461
methyl cellulose
methylcellulose
Products

Found in 7,310 products

Found in 1,525 products

Search rank & volume
#6346.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#13311K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×0.92
normal

×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. What is cellulose powder?

    A purified, plant-derived insoluble fiber (E460) ground into a fine powder, used in foods as a carrier, anti-caking agent, thickener, and stabilizer; it isn’t digested by humans.

  2. What is cellulose made of?

    A linear polymer of D-glucose units linked by β-1→4 bonds ((C6H10O5)n). Food-grade cellulose is sourced from plant cell walls, typically wood pulp or cotton.

  3. What is microcrystalline cellulose?

    The microcrystalline form of cellulose (E460(i)), made by acid hydrolysis of purified plant cellulose. It’s used in foods as a bulking agent, anti-caking agent, and stabilizer.

  4. What is powdered cellulose?

    Finely ground purified cellulose (E460(ii)) obtained by mechanically processing plant fibers; it helps prevent caking, adds bulk, and modifies texture in foods.

  5. What is cellulose gum?

    A water-soluble cellulose derivative, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (E466), used as a thickener and stabilizer; it’s related to but distinct from E460 cellulose.

  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.