Comparing E461 - methyl cellulose vs E463 - Hydroxypropyl cellulose

Synonyms
E461
methyl cellulose
methylcellulose
E463
Hydroxypropyl cellulose
Hydroxypropylcellulose
Products

Found in 1,525 products

Found in 72 products

Search rank & volume
#13311K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#2641.5K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×1.05
normal

×2.87
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 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 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.

  1. Is hydroxypropyl cellulose safe?

    Yes—E463 (hydroxypropyl cellulose) is authorized for use as a food thickener/stabilizer and has no numerical ADI from major authorities (e.g., JECFA/EFSA), indicating low toxicity. It is poorly absorbed, though very high intakes may cause mild gastrointestinal effects.

  2. What is hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose?

    Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC, E464) is a related modified cellulose used as a thickener and stabilizer; unlike E463 (hydroxypropyl cellulose), it also contains methyl groups, which slightly alter its gelation and viscosity behavior.

  3. How do i update my usb driver using windows 7 home premium so i can use my sony walkman nwz-e463?

    That request isn’t about the food additive E463; here E463 refers to hydroxypropyl cellulose, not a Sony Walkman model. For driver updates, please consult Microsoft/Sony support resources.

  4. How is hydroxypropyl cellulose made?

    It is produced by reacting purified cellulose with propylene oxide under alkaline conditions to introduce hydroxypropyl groups, then neutralized, washed, and dried. The degree of substitution and molecular weight are controlled to achieve specific viscosity grades.

  5. How much hydroxypropyl cellulose to use in a formula to make it gel?

    In food formulations, about 0.2–2% w/w gives noticeable thickening, while roughly 1–3% can yield a gel‑like, spoonable texture depending on grade and other ingredients. HPC forms viscous solutions rather than a firm elastic gel, so exact levels require small-scale trials.