methyl cellulose

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a grayish-white powder prepared from cellulose that swells to a highly viscous colloidal solution in water: used as a food additive and in water paints, leather tanning, and cosmetics.

Word History and Origins

Origin of methyl cellulose¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

But the nutrition labels of many highly processed plant-based products require a Google search to decipher: methyl cellulose, modified starch, soy protein concentrate.

From Washington Post

It has also added methyl cellulose, a plant-based binder, to make the burger juicier.

From Washington Post

Impossible patties are made from soy protein concentrate and potato protein, with fat from coconut and sunflower oils, all bound together with methyl cellulose, a laxative.

From Washington Post

These include xanthan gum, a strong, glue-like substance also used in the oil industry to thicken drilling mud, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, also used in the construction industry for its water-retaining properties in cement, and tapioca starch, a nutritionally depleted, chemically modified starch from the cassava root.

From The Guardian

Veggie burgers often have 20 or more ingredients, including nonnutritive cornstarch and thickeners such as methyl cellulose.

From Washington Post