Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, commonly known as CMC or cellulose gum, is produced by the chemical modification of natural cellulose with chloroacetic acid. It is one of the most widely used water-soluble cellulose derivatives in the food industry, valued for its excellent thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming properties.
CMC is available in various viscosity grades and degrees of substitution to meet specific application requirements. It provides smooth, pseudoplastic flow behavior that enhances mouthfeel in beverages, dairy products, and sauces. CMC is also an effective ice crystal growth inhibitor and syneresis preventer in frozen food products.