My diet:

E460 Powdered cellulose

E460Anti-caking agentsOrigin: Plant
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Every diet

VeganYes

Plant fiber.

Gluten-freeYes
HalalYes
KosherYes
KetoYes

An indigestible fiber with no net carbs.

Low-FODMAPYes
The short answer
Powdered cellulose (E460) is purified plant fiber that keeps shredded cheese from clumping. It's harmless to eat, but it can also be used as a cheap filler.
Use in moderation

Safe in small amounts; may bother some people or raise blood sugar.

E-numberE460
Comes fromPlant
What it doesAnti-caking agents
Glycemic index—
Daily limitNot set
Also calledPowdered cellulose, Cellulose powder

Skip the cellulose in shredded cheese

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved
🇪🇺 European UnionApproved
🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved
CaliforniaNo extra rules

Allowed in the US, EU and Canada without a daily limit. EFSA's 2018 review found no safety concern. The FDA's standard for grated Parmesan limits how much can be added.

Daily limit: Experts haven’t set a number because normal food amounts are far below any level of concern.

What is it?

Powdered cellulose is the same fiber that makes up plant cell walls, ground into a fine powder. It coats shredded cheese so it doesn't stick, adds fiber to bread and bulks up low-calorie foods.

Where it comes from: Purified plant fiber, usually from wood pulp or cotton.

Why it’s in food

  • Stops shredded and grated cheese from clumping
  • Adds fiber to bread and snacks
  • Bulks up reduced-calorie foods
  • Binds tablets and supplements

Often found in

Shredded and grated cheeseHigh-fiber breadSpice mixesReduced-fat ice creamFast-food buns and saucesSupplement tablets

Also listed as: Powdered cellulose, Cellulose powder, Microcrystalline cellulose, Cellulose fiber, Wood pulp

Health & gut impact

DigestionConcern

It isn't digested and passes through like other insoluble fiber.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2018)

Filler concernsUnder study

Investigations found some "100% Parmesan" contained far more cellulose than allowed, using it as a cheap filler.

FDA enforcement case on grated Parmesan (2016)

What can I use instead?

Potato starch

Ratio: To coat

Best for: Shredded cheese

Grating your own

Ratio: To use

Best for: Cheese without anticaking agents

Related

More anti-caking agents:

Calcium Phosphates (Tricalcium Phosphate) E341Calcium phosphates (E341) keep powders flowing, make baking powder rise and add calcium to plant milks. They're safe for most people, but phosphate additives add up, which matters for anyone with kidney disease.Use in moderationDimethylpolysiloxane E900Dimethylpolysiloxane (E900) is a food-grade silicone that stops frying oil from foaming. It sounds alarming, but it's used at a few parts per million and passes through the body unabsorbed.Use in moderationSilicon Dioxide E551Silicon dioxide (E551) is a purified form of silica that keeps powders and spices from clumping. It's considered safe in food and passes through the body, though EFSA wants more data on its smallest particles.Use in moderation

Common questions

Is Powdered cellulose safe?

Use in moderation (80/100). Allowed in the US, EU and Canada without a daily limit. EFSA's 2018 review found no safety concern. The FDA's standard for grated Parmesan limits how much can be added.

Is Powdered cellulose vegan?

Yes. Plant fiber.

Is Powdered cellulose gluten-free?

Yes.

Is there really wood pulp in shredded cheese?

Sometimes, yes. It's purified cellulose, the same fiber found in vegetables, and it's safe. It's just not cheese.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations
  • EFSA OpenFoodTox: E460
  • EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2018)
  • FDA enforcement case on grated Parmesan (2016)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 2, 2026 · INS 460 · CAS 9004-34-6