E461 Methylcellulose

E461Thickeners & gumsOrigin: Plant

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Made from plant cellulose.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

An indigestible fiber with no net carbs.

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

Methylcellulose (E461) is a plant fiber that firms up when heated. It's the binder that holds plant-based burgers together, and it's considered safe.

86/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE461

Comes fromPlant

What it doesThickeners & gums

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledMethylcellulose, Methyl cellulose

Bind plant-based food at home

Plant-based picks

Food-grade powder

Methylcellulose powder

The binder for homemade veggie burgers that hold together.

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Pantry staple

Psyllium husk powder

A fiber binder for gluten-free bread and vegan baking.

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Kitchen tool

Burger press

Shapes even patties that cook through without falling apart.

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Generally recognized as safe in the US and approved without a daily limit in the EU and Canada. EFSA's 2018 review of modified celluloses found no safety concern.

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

What is it?

Methylcellulose has an unusual trick: it thickens in cold water and turns into a firm gel when heated. That lets plant burgers hold their shape on the grill the way meat does. It's also a bulk-forming laxative in larger doses.

Where it comes from: Made from wood pulp or cotton cellulose that is chemically treated so it dissolves in cold water.

Why it’s in food

Binds plant-based burgers and sausages
Holds the shape of fried and frozen foods
Replaces egg and gluten in baking
Keeps fillings from boiling over

Often found in

Plant-based burgers and sausagesGluten-free breadFrozen battered foodsPie and pastry fillingsWhipped toppingsFiber supplements

Also listed as: Methylcellulose, Methyl cellulose, Cellulose methyl ether

Health & gut impact

FiberBenefit

It isn't digested or fermented much, and it acts as a gentle bulk-forming fiber.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2018)

Large amountsConcern

Doses far above food use can cause bloating or loose stools.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2018)

What can I use instead?

Psyllium husk

Ratio: About 1:1

Best for: Gluten-free bread

HPMC

Ratio: About 1:1

Best for: Gluten-free baking

Methylcellulose vs Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

More thickeners & gums:

Agar-Agar E406Agar-agar (E406) is a seaweed gel that sets firmer than gelatin. It's safe, vegan, gluten-free, keto and kosher, and is the easiest plant swap for gelatin.Generally safe Carrageenan E407Carrageenan (E407) is a seaweed thickener in plant milks and deli meats. It's approved, but some studies link it to gut inflammation, so people with IBD often avoid it.Use in moderation Cellulose Gum (CMC) E466Cellulose gum (E466, CMC) is a thickener made from wood or cotton fiber. It's approved everywhere and fine for most diets, but studies in mice and a small human trial suggest it can disturb gut bacteria.Use in moderation GelatinGelatin is made from pig, cow or fish parts, so it is never vegan. It's only halal or kosher when certified, because most unlabeled gelatin comes from pork.Generally safe

Common questions

Is Methylcellulose safe?

Generally safe (86/100). Generally recognized as safe in the US and approved without a daily limit in the EU and Canada. EFSA's 2018 review of modified celluloses found no safety concern.

Is Methylcellulose vegan?

Yes. Made from plant cellulose.

Is Methylcellulose gluten-free?

Yes.

Is methylcellulose made from wood?

Often, yes. The cellulose is the same kind found in all plants, purified and modified so it dissolves.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 182.1480 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E461
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2018)

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 2, 2026 · INS 461 · CAS 9004-67-5