E465 · Ethyl methyl cellulose
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E465?
Ethyl methyl cellulose is a plant-cellulose derivative combining ethyl and methyl substitutions, used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in processed foods. It is not digested or absorbed by the body. It is a less commonly used food additive compared to methylcellulose or HPMC, and appears mainly in specialty formulations.
Also appears on labels as: E465, E 465, E-465, Ethyl methyl cellulose, Methyl ethyl cellulose, EMC, Cellulose, ethyl methyl ether, Modified cellulose E465, Cellulose derivative E465, Stabilizer E465, Thickener E465, Emulsifier E465.
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 at typical food-use levels by EFSA and FDA.
Frequently asked questions
Is E465 safe?
Our overall verdict for E465 (Ethyl methyl cellulose) 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 E465 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ethyl methyl cellulose — 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 E465 and why is it used?
Ethyl methyl cellulose is a plant-cellulose derivative combining ethyl and methyl substitutions, used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in processed foods. It is not digested or absorbed by the body. It is a less commonly used food additive compared to methylcellulose or HPMC, and appears mainly in specialty formulations.
Does E465 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ethyl methyl cellulose.
Watch E465
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Ethyl methyl cellulose changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
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.