What is E460?
Microcrystalline cellulose — a purified form of plant fibre used as a bulking agent and texturiser, chemically the same substance that makes up plant cell walls.
E460 (microcrystalline cellulose) is a purified, processed form of cellulose, the structural fibre found in the cell walls of all plants. It's used as a bulking agent, anti-caking agent and texturiser, and passes through the digestive system largely undigested, similar to dietary fibre. Goodnessly rates it Safe.
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What is microcrystalline cellulose?
Microcrystalline cellulose is made by chemically or mechanically processing cellulose, typically from wood pulp or cotton, to break it down into fine, purified particles. Cellulose itself is the main structural component of plant cell walls, and is the most abundant organic compound on Earth. Like dietary fibre, the human body can't digest cellulose, so it passes through the digestive tract largely unchanged, contributing bulk without being absorbed or metabolised.
What's it used for?
- Bulking agent in low-calorie and reduced-fat products
- Anti-caking agent in shredded cheese and powdered products
- Texturiser in sauces and dressings
- Also widely used as a filler in tablets and supplements
Where you'll find 460 on the shelf
Common in low-calorie, reduced-fat and shredded products.
Is microcrystalline cellulose safe? What the research says
Microcrystalline cellulose is chemically identical to dietary fibre, with a clean, well-established regulatory record.
| Region | Status | What this means |
|---|---|---|
| AU/NZ Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ) | Permitted, no limit | Permitted at quantum satis (as much as needed for the intended purpose). |
| EU European Union (EFSA) | Permitted, no ADI | Listed as E460, with no numerical Acceptable Daily Intake needed. |
| US United States (FDA) | GRAS | Holds Generally Recognized As Safe status for general food use. |
Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on Earth, forming the structural framework of every plant cell wall. The human body can't digest it, so it passes through the digestive tract largely unchanged, similar to the dietary fibre naturally present in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- No significant regulatory changes: microcrystalline cellulose's approval status has remained stable, reflecting its long, low-controversy safety record.
This section is checked periodically rather than continuously — if you're reading this well after the date above, it's worth confirming nothing has changed before citing it.
Who this matters to
- No population group has a specific safety-based reason to limit E460 at typical food-additive levels
Goodnessly rates E460 Safe. It's chemically identical to dietary fibre, passing through the body largely unchanged.
How to spot it on a label
E460 is usually declared clearly. Look out for:
- Microcrystalline cellulose
- Cellulose
- 460 or E460
- "Bulking agent (460)" in the ingredients list
Related additives
Frequently asked questions
Is microcrystalline cellulose the same as dietary fibre?
Chemically, yes. Cellulose is the structural fibre found in every plant cell wall, and microcrystalline cellulose is simply a purified, processed form of that same substance.
Why is cellulose added to low-fat foods?
It adds bulk and texture without contributing meaningful calories, since the body can't digest it, which is why it's a common ingredient in reduced-fat and low-calorie product formulations.
Does Goodnessly rate E460 as safe, caution, or avoid?
Goodnessly rates E460 (Microcrystalline Cellulose) as Safe. It's chemically identical to dietary fibre, passing through the body largely unchanged.
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