ScanWise
E464 · Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners

Hypromellose

Limited risk

Modified plant fiber (also vegetarian capsules).

Category
Emulsifiers, Stabilisers, Thickeners
Vegan
Yes
Vegetarian
Yes

What it is

A plant-derived dietary fiber used as a bulking agent, thickener, and anti-caking agent.

How it is used in food

Adds volume to food without adding calories, and keeps shredded cheese from clumping together in the bag.

Commonly found in
  • Shredded cheese
  • Diet foods
  • Sauces
  • Ice cream

Health and safety

Safe and inert. It simply acts as insoluble dietary fiber in the human digestive system.

Evaluated by EFSA and confirmed safe for use in food at authorized levels.

Regulatory status

RegionStatusNotes
Australia & New Zealand
FSANZ		 Permitted Permitted under the FSANZ Food Standards Code.
European Union
EFSA / European Commission		 Permitted Authorised for food use under EU regulations (Annex II).
United States
FDA (Food and Drug Administration)		 Permitted Authorised for food use by the FDA (often GRAS for standard additives).

Identification on labels

E-number
E464

Also printed asHPMC · Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

Worth knowing

Because cellulose cannot be digested by humans, it is a popular ingredient in "zero calorie" or low-carb diet foods to provide bulk.

Conclusion

Hypromellose is a limited concern that matters mostly if your diet includes high amounts of processed diet foods or vegetarian capsules. Derived from purified plant fibre, it acts as an inert insoluble fibre in digestion and is confirmed safe by EFSA at authorised levels. For general eating, hypromellose poses no major issue.

References

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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