E464 Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)

E464Thickeners & gumsOrigin: Plant

Get a personal answer

Pick your family’s diets in the bar above.

Every diet

VeganYes

Plant-based, and the usual vegan alternative to gelatin capsules.

Gluten-freeYes

HalalYes

KosherYes

KetoYes

An indigestible fiber with no net carbs.

Low-FODMAPYes

The short answer

HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, E464) is a plant fiber used in gluten-free bread and vegan capsules. It's considered safe and adds no net carbs.

86/100

Generally safe

Fine for most people at normal amounts.

E-numberE464

Comes fromPlant

What it doesThickeners & gums

Glycemic index—

Daily limitNot set

Also calledHydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose

Plant-based capsules and baking

Plant-based picks

Certified vegan

Empty vegetable capsules (HPMC)

Gelatin-free capsules for filling your own supplements.

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Food-grade powder

HPMC powder for baking

Helps gluten-free loaves rise and hold together.

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Pantry staple

Gluten-free bread flour blend

A ready-made mix with the binders already in.

Shop gluten-free bread flour Opens your country’s Amazon store

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Rules by country

🇺🇸 US FDAApproved with limits

🇪🇺 European UnionApproved

🇨🇦 Health CanadaApproved

CaliforniaNo extra rules

Approved as a food additive in the US and 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?

HPMC is a close cousin of methylcellulose that forms films and holds gas in dough. Gluten-free bakers use it to replace the stretch of gluten, and supplement makers use it for vegetarian capsules.

Where it comes from: Made from wood pulp or cotton cellulose that is chemically modified to dissolve in water.

Why it’s in food

Gives gluten-free bread structure and stretch
Makes vegetarian capsules
Thickens sauces and fillings
Keeps frozen desserts smooth

Often found in

Gluten-free bread and baking mixesVegetarian supplement capsulesPlant-based meatsSauces and graviesFrozen dessertsCoated tablets

Also listed as: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, HPMC, Hypromellose

Health & gut impact

FiberBenefit

It passes through the gut largely unchanged, acting as soluble fiber.

EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2018)

Medical useConcern

As hypromellose, it's also used in eye drops and tablet coatings.

US Pharmacopeia monograph

What can I use instead?

Psyllium husk

Ratio: About 1:1

Best for: Gluten-free bread

Xanthan gum

Ratio: About 1:2

Best for: Sauces and 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 Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose safe?

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

Is Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose vegan?

Yes. Plant-based, and the usual vegan alternative to gelatin capsules.

Is Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose gluten-free?

Yes.

Are HPMC capsules vegan?

Yes. They're made from plant cellulose and are the standard vegan replacement for gelatin capsules.

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Scientific sources & regulatory citations

21 CFR 172.874 (US FDA)
EFSA OpenFoodTox: E464
EFSA Panel on Food Additives (2018)
US Pharmacopeia monograph

Last checked against FDA, EFSA and Health Canada records: November 2, 2026 · INS 464 · CAS 9004-65-3