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E464ThickenerLow concern
Hypromellose
In plain words
The short version
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) — a vegan capsule material and gluten-free baking ingredient.
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
No ADI specified — considered safe and largely inert. Not absorbed; behaves as soluble fiber. Like other modified celluloses, included in some recent dietary-emulsifier observational studies.
The detail
Manufactured from cellulose by sequential treatment with methyl chloride and propylene oxide, replacing some hydroxyl groups with methyl and hydroxypropyl ethers. Developed in the mid-20th century.
The dominant vegan capsule material in pharmaceuticals and supplements (replacing gelatin). Also used in gluten-free bread to mimic gluten's elastic structure, eye drops as a lubricant, and tablet coatings for controlled release.
White to off-white powder, soluble in cold water (gels on heating like E461). Combines the heat-set gelation of methylcellulose with the cold-soluble behavior of hydroxypropyl groups.
Permitted globally without restrictive limits for food use.
Sources
- EFSA — 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 (2018) — EFSA (EFSA Journal 2018;16(1):5047, PMC copy), 2018. No numerical ADI needed; not absorbed; no safety concern
- WHO JECFA database — Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (INS 464) — WHO / JECFA, 2011. JECFA ADI 'not specified'
- 21 CFR 172.874 — Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose — US eCFR (Office of the Federal Register), 2026. US food-additive authorisation under GMP
- EUR-Lex — Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, consolidated text 18.08.2026 (Annex II/III) — EUR-Lex (European Union), 2026. EU authorisation largely at quantum satis
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.