E464 · Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E464?
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), also called hypromellose, is a plant-cellulose derivative used as a thickener, gelling agent, and emulsifier in sauces, soups, baked goods, and vegetarian/vegan capsule shells. It is not digested or absorbed by the body and is widely used as a plant-based alternative to gelatin in supplement capsules.
Also appears on labels as: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, HPMC, Hypromellose, Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, Hydroxypropyl methyl ether of cellulose, Cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl ether, E464, E 464, E-464, Methylhydroxypropyl cellulose, Methyl hydroxypropylcellulose.
What the evidence says
- Not digested or absorbed by the body; considered inert and low-risk at approved food-use levels.
- Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FDA and approved by EFSA at typical food-use levels.
Frequently asked questions
Is E464 safe?
Our overall verdict for E464 (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E464 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E464 and why is it used?
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), also called hypromellose, is a plant-cellulose derivative used as a thickener, gelling agent, and emulsifier in sauces, soups, baked goods, and vegetarian/vegan capsule shells. It is not digested or absorbed by the body and is widely used as a plant-based alternative to gelatin in supplement capsules.
Does E464 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
Watch E464
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.