What it does
It can increase thickness and help a mixture keep an even texture. The label name may be shortened to cellulose gum.
Names you may see on the label
cellulose gum; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose; sodium carboxy methyl cellulose; carboxymethylcellulose; E466; E 466
Where it showed up in our published study
In the published 10 October 2026 snapshot, cellulose gum appeared in protein shakes and drinks (3), protein powders (2), and protein bars and snacks (1).
Counts are per record and do not measure Irish sales or the whole market.
FoodSussed processing Level
FoodSussed can read cellulose gum as a thickener or stabiliser marker. It does not turn that single ingredient into a verdict on the food.
Health and safety disclaimer
This page makes no health or safety verdict. EU authorisation is conditional by food category and may include limits or other restrictions; it is not unlimited permission in every food.
One permitted-use example
The EU list includes E466 in traditional Swedish and Finnish fruit syrups made from citrus, under that category's stated conditions.
The E466 example links to an official EUR-Lex permitted-use source checked 24 October 2026. The European Commission food-additives database was checked on the same date for cellulose gum.
Questions people ask
How can I recognise cellulose gum on a food label?
Cellulose gum may be declared as cellulose gum; sodium carboxymethyl cellulose; sodium carboxy methyl cellulose; carboxymethylcellulose; E466; E 466, including the number E466.
Where did cellulose gum appear in the published study?
The largest published product-type group for cellulose gum was protein shakes and drinks (3 of 6 matched records).
Sources
- European Commission food-additives database (checked 24 October 2026)
- EU permitted-use source for the example above (checked 24 October 2026)
- Published 10 October study JSON used for the cellulose gum product-type counts