Description

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a sodium salt derivative of cellulose. Unlike cellulose, it is water soluble and can function as a suspending agent, stabilizer, film former or thickening agent.Additionally, it also functions well in fillings as a thickener and in glazes as an agent to slow down sugar crystallization.

CMC is used in food under the E number E466 or E469 (when it is enzymatically hydrolyzed) as a viscosity modifier or thickener, and to stabilize emulsions in various products including ice cream.CMC is used extensively in gluten free and reduced fat food products.

CMC is a cellulose derivative which is synthesised by the reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid in basic solution. As such, CMC cannot be considered to be a natural product. However, CMC is safe to use in food production as it is not degraded or reabsorbed in humans.

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a natural product because it is formed from a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups and is water-based. CMC is safe to use as a food additive because it is nontoxic.

Fruits juices and food contain Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a thickener. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, commonly known as cellulose gum or CMC, is a type of stabilizer and thickener used in food like milk, ice cream, and some baked goods.