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E465ThickenerLow concern
Ethyl Methylcellulose
In plain words
The short version
A mixed ethyl-methyl cellulose ether — niche modified cellulose for specific texture profiles.
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. Not absorbed; behaves as soluble fiber.
The detail
Manufactured by sequential alkylation of cellulose with methyl chloride and ethyl chloride. Combines properties of methylcellulose (thermal gelation) and ethylcellulose (hydrophobic character).
Niche modified cellulose used in whipped toppings (foam stability), some frozen desserts, and low-fat sauces. Less common than methylcellulose or HPMC; chosen where the specific intermediate thermal behavior is wanted.
White to off-white powder. Disperses in cold water; gels on heating, similar to methylcellulose but at higher temperatures.
Permitted globally without restrictive limits.
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 (EFSA Journal 2018;16(1):5047), PMC full text — European Food Safety Authority (ANS Panel), 2018. No numerical ADI needed; no safety concern (covers ethyl methyl cellulose E 465)
- WHO JECFA database: Methyl ethyl cellulose (INS 465), group ADI not specified for modified celluloses (35th meeting, 1989) — WHO / FAO Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives, 1989. ADI not specified
- US eCFR: 21 CFR 172.872 Methyl ethyl cellulose — US Office of the Federal Register / FDA, 2026. US regulatory status (permitted uses)
- EU: Commission Regulation (EU) No 1129/2011 establishing the Union list of food additives (Annex II to Reg. 1333/2008), as adopted — European Union (Publications Office), 2011. EU authorisation at quantum satis
Checked against these sources on .
Educational information only. Not medical, dietary or veterinary advice. Spotted an error? Tell us.