E466 - Carboxymethyl cellulose
By the Daat team · Updated October 30, 2026
E466, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), is a thickener made from plant cellulose.
It dissolves in water and thickens ice cream, sauces, soup mixes and baked goods.
292 products in our catalog contain E466, or 1.7% of those with an ingredient list. Most of them are cakes, biscuits and pastries and soups and ready meals.
E466 at a glance
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Carboxymethyl cellulose |
| Also listed as | CMC, cellulose gum |
| Function | Thickener / stabiliser |
| Origin | Plant, mineral or synthetic |
| Vegan / vegetarian | Yes / Yes |
Is E466 vegan?
Yes. E466 has no animal source, so it suits both vegans and vegetarians.