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Methylcellulose

Methylcellulose suppliers and sourcing guide

Methylcellulose is a cellulose ether made by treating purified wood or cotton cellulose with alkali and methyl chloride, which replaces some hydroxyl groups with methoxy groups. It dissolves in cold water and forms a gel when heated, which makes it useful as a binder in plant-based meat and in baked goods. It is also used as a tablet binder and in capsule shells.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
MC · E461 · methyl cellulose · cellulose methyl ether
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of methylcellulose

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Viscosity grades

    Sold by the viscosity of a 2% solution, from a few to several thousand mPa·s.

  • Food grade

    FCC grade for binding and thermal gelation in foods such as meat analogs.

  • Pharmaceutical grade

    Made to USP-NF or Ph. Eur. monographs for tablets and capsules.

  • Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (related)

    HPMC is a separate cellulose ether with a different regulation; confirm which one a formula calls for.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Methoxy content
Methoxy group content on a dry basis by gas chromatography after hydriodic acid cleavage, per USP.
Viscosity
Viscosity of a 2% solution at 20 °C by rotational or Ubbelohde method.
Loss on drying and residue on ignition
Moisture and ash.
Heavy metals
Lead and other elements by ICP-MS.
Microbiology
Total plate count, yeast and mold, E. coli and Salmonella.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store methylcellulose sealed in a cool, dry place; it picks up moisture from the air. Keep it away from heat and ignition sources, as with other fine organic powders. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually a retest date.

Lots and expiry dates

Viscosity and gelation temperature can shift between lots, so record both and run a bind or cook test in plant-based meat formulas on lot changes. Confirm the grade name on each delivery, since MC and HPMC are easy to confuse.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Methylcellulose suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking methylcellulose suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of methylcellulose can brands buy?

Common forms include viscosity grades, food grade, pharmaceutical grade and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (related). Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for methylcellulose include?

Expect methoxy content, viscosity, loss on drying and residue on ignition, heavy metals and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should methylcellulose be stored?

Store methylcellulose sealed in a cool, dry place; it picks up moisture from the air. Keep it away from heat and ignition sources, as with other fine organic powders. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, usually a retest date.

What is the regulatory status of methylcellulose?

21 CFR 182.1480 lists U.S.P. methylcellulose (with a set methoxy content range) as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice. Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes methylcellulose.

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