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E461ThickenerLow concern
Methylcellulose
In plain words
The short version
A thermo-gelling cellulose ether — the structural backbone of many plant-based meat formulations.
Why it's green
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe (EFSA 2018 re-evaluation). Not absorbed; behaves as soluble fiber. Like other modified celluloses, included in some recent dietary-emulsifier observational studies on gut-microbiome effects.
The detail
Manufactured by treating cellulose with sodium hydroxide and methyl chloride, substituting some of the cellulose hydroxyls with methyl ether groups. Industrial product since the 1930s; the degree and pattern of methylation determine functional behavior.
The thickener that makes most plant-based meats (Impossible, Beyond, etc.) hold their shape during cooking. Uniquely, methylcellulose gels on heating and dissolves on cooling — the reverse of gelatin. Also used in low-calorie foods as a bulking agent, in diet pills as a swelling fiber, and in ice cream to slow melting.
White to off-white powder. Disperses in cold water (gelling on heating above ~50°C). The hot gel re-dissolves on cooling — a key property enabling the meat-analog cooking experience.
Permitted globally without restrictive limits — quantum satis in most food categories.
Sources
- EFSA ANS Panel — Re-evaluation of celluloses E 460(i), E 460(ii), E 461, E 462, E 463, E 464, E 465, E 466, E 468 and E 469 as food additives, EFSA Journal 2018;16(1):5047, doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5047 — EFSA (via PubMed Central), 2018. No numerical ADI needed (EFSA 2018 re-evaluation); not absorbed
- WHO JECFA database — Methyl cellulose, INS 461 (evaluation 1989, 35th meeting) — World Health Organization / JECFA, 1989. ADI not specified (group for modified celluloses)
- US eCFR — 21 CFR 182.1480 Methylcellulose (GRAS) — US FDA / Office of the Federal Register (eCFR), 2026. US GRAS status under good manufacturing practice
- European Commission food additives database — Methyl cellulose, E 461 (Union list, Group I) — European Commission, DG SANTE, 2026. EU authorisation via Group I (quantum satis)
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.