What is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose?
[Product Introduction]
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC/cellulose gum) is a cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose (mainly refined cotton and wood pulp) through chemical modification. It easily dissolves in both cold and hot water and is one of the most widely used and convenient cellulose products. CMC is commonly used in the Food & Nutrition industry, with a typical dosage of 0.2%-0.5%. Compared to other similar hydrocolloids, food-grade CMC features excellent acid and salt resistance, good transparency, and minimal free fibers. It dissolves quickly and has good fluidity after dissolving. As a thickener and Food Additive, CMC improves the texture, stability, and consistency of products such as sauces, beverages, ice cream, and bakery goods. It is also used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics as a stabilizer and emulsifier.
[Physical and Chemical Properties]
Appearance: white or light yellow fiber powder or particle
Viscosity: 5-15000mpa.s
Purity: ≥99.5%

Test Items |
Specification |
Physical Form |
Cream powder |
Viscosity, mPa.s (1% Soln.) |
1400-2000 |
Degree of Substitution (D.S) |
0.70-0.90 |
Moisture, % |
10.0max |
Purity, % |
99.5min |
Particle Size |
Min 95% through 80mesh |
pH Value |
6.5-7.5 |
Heavy metal, as Pb,ppm |
10 max |
Lead, ppm |
2 max |
Arsenic, ppm |
2 max |
Bacterial counts |
300 per gram max |
Total plate, cfu/g |
1000max |
Yeast and Mould, cfu/g |
100 max |
Coligroup, cfu/g |
Nil/g |
Salmonella, cfu/g |
Nil/g |
[Function]
1. Structural Expansion and Water Retention
CMC’s excellent rheological properties and gel stability help prevent food dehydration and shrinkage, enhancing expansion. In baking, it maintains moisture, preventing aging or cracking. Additionally, its high viscosity reduces oil absorption in fried foods by 3–5%.
2. Thickening, Texture Enhancement, and Suspension
At low concentrations, CMC provides high viscosity, giving food a smooth texture and improving mouthfeel while ensuring uniform flavor, consistency, and texture. It also has excellent suspension properties and is often combined with agar or xanthan gum to enhance stability and thickening effects, making it suitable for instant soups, chocolate milk, and fruit-containing frozen beverages.
3. Binding Function
CMC improves the performance of starch-based foods by preventing starch aging and dehydration while controlling paste viscosity. It works synergistically with emulsifiers, konjac gum, and phosphates, making it widely used in noodles, bread, and frozen pastries.
4. Protein Stabilization
CMC stabilizes proteins in acidic environments, preventing precipitation. It interacts with soy protein, gelatin, and casein to extend the pH range in which proteins remain soluble, making it widely applicable in yogurt and soy milk products.
5. Cross-Linking Effect
At high concentrations, CMC, in the presence of complexing agents such as citric acid or polyphosphates, can interact with multivalent cations (e.g., Al³⁺) to form an irreversible gel-like structure, which is used in the production of specialized food products.
6. Dietary Fiber and Health Benefits
CMC absorbs water and expands but is indigestible, making it ideal for low-calorie weight-loss foods. As a dietary fiber, it aids in intestinal cleansing and is suitable for foods designed for individuals with hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and coronary heart disease.
[Application]
Food & Nutrition Industry: CMC is widely used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier, commonly found in beverages, sauces, ice cream, baked goods, and jelly.
Food Additives: As a food additive, CMC improves texture, extends shelf life, and enhances mouthfeel in instant foods, candies, seasonings, and more.
Pharmaceutical Industry: CMC is used as a binder and emulsifier in pharmaceuticals, such as tablets, capsules, and ointments, helping to stabilize medications and control release rates.
[Packing]
25kg/bag.
[Shelf life]
In the case of meeting storage conditions and unsealing, the warranty period is 2 years