Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

Thickener

Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose at a glance

Category: Thickener
Also called: Carboxymethyl cellulose, CMC, Cellulose gum
Commonly found in: Ice cream, Sauces, Baked goods, Dairy products
Diets reviewed: 26 diets

What is Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose?

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose, also known as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), is a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose, which is a natural carbohydrate found in plant cell walls. It is widely used in the food industry due to its ability to thicken, stabilize, and emulsify products. This ingredient helps to improve the texture and shelf-life of foods and is commonly found in items such as ice cream, sauces, and baked goods.

Also known as:

Carboxymethyl celluloseCMCCellulose gum

Diet Compatibility

Corn FreeCaution

This ingredient may include corn. Please contact the manufacturer for details.

Alpha-Gal FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Alphagal diet.

Barley FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Barley Free diet.

Dairy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Dairy Free diet.

Egg FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Egg Free diet.

Fish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fish Free diet.

Garlic FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Garlic Free diet.

GERD FriendlySafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gerd diet.

Gluten FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Gluten Free diet.

Lactose FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lactose Free diet.

Low FODMAPSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Fodmap diet.

Lupin FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Lupin Free diet.

Milk FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Milk Free diet.

Nightshade FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Nightshades diet.

Oat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Oat Free diet.

Onion FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Onion Free diet.

Peanut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Peanut Free diet.

PescatarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Pescatarian diet.

Rye FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Rye Free diet.

Sesame FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Sesame Free diet.

Shellfish FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Shell Fish Free diet.

Soy FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Soy Free diet.

Tree Nut FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Tree Nut Free diet.

VeganSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegan diet.

VegetarianSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Vegetarian diet.

Wheat FreeSafe

This ingredient is generally considered compatible with a Wheat Free diet.

Compatibility ratings are general guidelines and may vary by individual. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Why People Avoid Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

People might avoid sodium carboxymethylcellulose due to potential allergies or sensitivities, although reactions are rare. Additionally, there is a concern for individuals with corn allergies, as the production of this ingredient sometimes involves corn-based reagents. Therefore, those with corn allergies should verify the source with manufacturers to ensure it meets their dietary requirements.

Potential Reactions

Digestive discomfort

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individual reactions can vary. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about specific ingredients.

Foods That Commonly Contain Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

Ice cream Sauces Baked goods Dairy products Gluten-free foods

Browse products that match your diet.

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Related to Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose

Other ingredients people often check alongside Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose.

MethylcelluloseCaution Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)Caution

Frequently Asked Questions

How Spoonful reviews ingredients

Evidence-based. Diet compatibility ratings are compiled from peer-reviewed nutrition guidance, dietary association recommendations, and ingredient composition data.
Continuously updated. Our ingredient database is refreshed as new sources and product data become available.
Transparent uncertainty. When an ingredient's safety depends on serving size, preparation, or sub-ingredients, we mark it “caution” rather than forcing a binary answer.
Not medical advice. Ratings are general guidance. Always consult a registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.

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