Ingredient Information

Function

Cellulose fiber is the natural structural component of many plants and hard woods. Highly refined cellulose fiber is a food ingredient, used as an anti-caking agent for instant, dried products, such as soups and sauces. It is also added to frozen desserts and ice cream as an agent that improves freezing and helps preserve texture during thawing. Chips and fried or baked goods have cellulose fiber in their formulations to help lower fat absorption during the frying process. Products that contain cellulose fiber have the added benefit of an insoluble fiber source in their foods.

Other Use and Industries

Cellulose fiber is commonly added to dry and canned pet foods. Unrefined cellulose is used in many industrial applications, including paper and textile production

Health Effects

The benefits of fiber in the human diet are well known. There are soluble and insoluble forms of fiber and cellulose fiber is an insoluble form. There are reports that insoluble forms are better forms of fiber for our diet. Cellulose fiber, when added to foods, is a good source of insoluble fiber that can help with weight loss by helping you feel full and decreasing hunger. Too much cellulose fiber can be a problem, leading to constipation and bowl upset.

Origins

Fiber consists of pectin, gum, mucilage, lignin, and cellulose. Due to each plant having varying amounts of these components, cellulose is obtained from high cellulose plant sources, such as, cotton, hard woods, and highly fibrous plants. The production process of obtaining refined cellulose that is suitable for consumption involves grinding the plant, and treating with hot water and acetone to obtain short strands of cellulose. This process is referred to as the Lyocell process. Enzymes can also be used to break down the cellulose.