Methyl cellulose (E 461) stabilizes desserts, thickens sauces and makes diet foods bulkier. You can find more uses and their health effects here.
Methyl cellulose can give foods a thick consistency and is therefore a gelling and thickening agent. The additive is also used as a stabilizer in foam-like foods, among other things. Last but not least, methyl cellulose can be used as a coating agent. Sauces, desserts, baked goods and fish products are typical areas of application for the additive.
The human body cannot utilize methylcellulose. Therefore, in some diet foods, methylcellulose as a bulking agent adds bulk without increasing the nutritional value of the product.
Methylcellulose: what is it?
From a chemical point of view, methyl cellulose is a cellulose ether, i.e. a synthetically produced compound based on cellulose. At room temperature, cellulose is solid. The substance is soluble in cold water. In addition to being used as a food additive, methyl cellulose is also found in cosmetic products and paste. Methylcellulose is a vegan product.
The cellulose for the production of the additive often comes from the cotton industry. In some countries, including the EU, certain genetically modified cotton plants may be used in the feed and food industry. This is not declared on the product, since only the directly genetically modified product, i.e. the cellulose, would have to be labeled. There is still no final legal regulation for the processed product.
Methylcellulose in non-edible products
Methylcellulose is a component of paste. If you buy paste, depending on the composition of the manufacturer, it is pure methyl cellulose, which you mix with water. The consumer advice center recommends such paste as they do not contain any additives that are harmful to health or the environment.
Methylcellulose is also used in cosmetic products, for example as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers are substances that ensure that water and fat, for example, can be mixed together without separating again. This is necessary to give creams their consistency.
What is the effect of methyl cellulose?
Methylcellulose is not harmful to health. According to the code check, however, the additive can have a laxative effect if you consume more than 6 g.
