Celluloses (E460, E461, E466)
No concern
Plant fibre, purified and sometimes chemically modified, used to thicken, bulk and stop ice crystals forming. The starting material is wood or cotton fibre.
E460 — Cellulose
Purified plant fibre, used to bulk and thicken.
Why it raises no question. It is wood or cotton fibre, cleaned and ground.
Where you meet it. Grated cheese, baked goods, supplements, low-fat products.
E461 — Methyl cellulose
Plant cellulose modified to gel when heated.
Why it raises no question. The starting fibre is plant, the modification is chemical.
Where you meet it. Meat-free burgers, sauces, bakery, ice cream.
E466 — Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)
A cellulose gum that thickens and stops ice crystals.
Why it raises no question. Plant fibre reacted with a manufactured chemical.
Where you meet it. Ice cream, drinks, sauces, gluten-free baking.
What to do in the shop
Nothing special to do for E460 itself. Read the rest of the list: a product is only as clear as its least clear ingredient.
Questions people ask
Is E460 halal?
E460 (Cellulose) — No concern. It is wood or cotton fibre, cleaned and ground.
Is E461 halal?
E461 (Methyl cellulose) — No concern. The starting fibre is plant, the modification is chemical.
Is E466 halal?
E466 (Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)) — No concern. Plant fibre reacted with a manufactured chemical.
Related additives
Check a product, not just a number
An additive's status describes the additive in general. What matters is the whole ingredient list on the packet in your hand.