Comparing E460 - Cellulose vs E556 - Calcium aluminium silicate

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Overview

E460 - Cellulose

Cellulose (E460) is a purified plant fiber used in many foods to improve texture and flow. It helps keep powders free‑flowing, adds bulk without adding sugar or fat, and can support a creamy mouthfeel in low‑fat recipes. It is the same carbohydrate that makes up plant cell walls and passes through the human gut largely unchanged.

E556 - Calcium aluminium silicate

Calcium aluminium silicate (E556) is an anti-caking agent that helps dry foods like salt and seasoning blends stay free-flowing. It is a synthetic mineral-like powder from the aluminosilicate family and is used in very small amounts. European regulators have set specifications and reviewed its safety for use in foods.

Synonyms

E460

Cellulose

cellulose powder to prevent caking

cellulose powder added to prevent caking

E556

Calcium aluminium silicate

Calcium aluminosilicate

Calcium silicoaluminate

Aluminium calcium silicate

Functions

anticaking agent bulking agent carrier stabilizer thickener

anticaking agent

Origins

Plant

Synthetic

Mineral

Products

Found in 7,310 products

Found in 0 products

Search rank & volume

#6346.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#49430 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.92

normal

Awareness data is not available.

Search volume over time

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

Search history data is not available.

Popular questions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.