Alternatives to Cellulose Gum (CMC)

Cellulose gum or carboxy methylcellulose (CMC) is an additive used in many food and beverage formulations to thicken, bind and emulsify. However, it may be perceived by consumers as not being clean label-friendly or “natural.” And for product developers, there may be challenges with supply reliability.

Depending on the functionality you are trying to achieve in your application, CP Kelco may have alternative ingredients that can help. Reformulation can even present an opportunity to save by using fewer ingredients overall, lowering cost in use, and cleaning up your label with nature-based, vegan-friendly ingredients. For example, easily recognizable GENU^® Pectin is a label-friendly alternative that offers protein protection, great mouthfeel, texture and viscosity. KELTROL^® Xanthan Gum is a workhorse ingredient that can provide mouthfeel and add viscosity. KELCOGEL^® Gellan Gum can help you solve syneresis problems while offering stability, texture and mouthfeel. As an Upcycled Certified^® ingredient*, NUTRAVA^® Citrus Fiber can help you meet your sustainability goals as it supports mouthfeel, viscosity and syneresis control.

See the chart below for ideas and then contact us to discover the most suitable option to help solve your challenges while providing the best cost in use for your formulation.

	KELTROL® Xanthan Gum	GENU® Pectin	KELCOGEL® Gellan Gum	GENU® Carrageenan	NUTRAVA® Citrus Fiber
Baked goods such as cake mixes, breads, pizza, tortillas	X
Condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, barbeque sauces and dressings	X	X
Confectionery and fortified gummies		X		X
Fruit-flavored drinks, juice beverages and soft drinks	X	X
Dairy and dairy alternatives such as milk, cottage cheese, cream cheese/spreadable cheese, yogurt	X			X
Ice cream and frozen desserts	X			X
Meat, ready-to-eat meals and prepared foods such as soup mixes	X		X	X
Sports nutrition supplements	X	X		X

*Upcycled Certified^® is a registered trademark of the Upcycled Food Association.