Digestoa
Additive · Emulsifier

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (E466)

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (E466) is an emulsifier that Digestoa flags as high risk. Common concerns include gut microbiome disruption.

Digestoa riskHigh risk
TypeEmulsifier
Found inIce cream, low-fat and 'lite' products, gluten-free baked goods, sauces and dressings.
ConcernsGut microbiome disruption · Inflammation (studies)

What is Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)?

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is a common emulsifier and thickener. Studies link some emulsifiers to gut-microbiome disruption and intestinal inflammation.

Is Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) bad for you?

Digestoa flags Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as high risk. Regulators permit it, but safety reviews and studies have raised concerns including gut microbiome disruption, inflammation (studies). How often you eat it matters more than a single exposure.

What foods contain Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)?

Ice cream, low-fat and 'lite' products, gluten-free baked goods, sauces and dressings..

Digestoa's take

You don't need to panic over a single product that contains Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). But it's a useful flag: when you see E466 on a label it often signals a more processed product, and there's usually a cleaner alternative.

Safer swaps

Pick simpler products thickened with pectin (E440), or with shorter ingredient lists.

Frequently asked questions

Is E466 the same as Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)?
Yes — E466 is the international additive (E-number) code for Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC).
Is Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) bad for you?
Digestoa flags Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (E466) as high risk. It's permitted in food, but it's associated with concerns such as gut microbiome disruption.
What are the side effects of Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)?
Reported concerns include: Gut microbiome disruption; Inflammation (studies).
What foods contain Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)?
Ice cream, low-fat and 'lite' products, gluten-free baked goods, sauces and dressings..
How can I avoid Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)?
Check the ingredients list for "Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)" or "E466", or scan the product with Digestoa to see if it's present before you buy.

Related emulsifier additives

Polysorbate 80 (E433)Mono- & diglycerides of fatty acids (E471)DATEM (E472E)Polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) (E476)Sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate (E481)Lecithins (E322)

Risk ratings reflect Digestoa's editorial assessment synthesising EFSA/IARC opinions and peer-reviewed research. Informational only — not medical advice.