Is e1187 vegan?

E1187 is a food additive which is also known as carboxymethyl cellulose or simply CMC. It is a white powder with a chemical formula of (C6H10O6)n and a molecular weight ranging from 90,000 to 1,100,000 g/mol. CMC is commonly used as a thickener and stabilizer in a wide range of food products, including baked goods, beverages, dairy products, sauces, and dressings. CMC is derived from cellulose, which is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. The cellulose is chemically modified to form CMC, which has a high level of solubility in liquids. This property makes it an ideal ingredient for adding viscosity and stability to food products. One of the main benefits of CMC is its ability to thicken liquids without affecting their taste, color, or aroma. This means that it can be added to food products without altering their overall sensory properties. It is commonly used in sauces, gravies, and dressings to provide a thick and creamy texture. The use of CMC in baked goods such as bread and cakes can also help to improve the texture and shelf life of these products. In addition to its thickening properties, CMC is also a stabilizer. It can help food products maintain their texture and prevent them from separating or settling during storage. This is particularly important in emulsions, such as salad dressings and mayonnaise, where CMC can prevent the oil and water from separating. CMC is also used as a bulking agent, which means that it can increase the volume of food products without adding significant calories. This makes it particularly useful in low-calorie foods and beverages, where it can help to provide a satisfying texture without increasing the overall energy content. Another benefit of CMC is its ability to improve the freeze-thaw stability of food products. This means that it can help frozen food products maintain their texture and quality during storage and transportation. It is commonly used in ice creams and frozen desserts to prevent ice crystal formation and maintain a smooth texture. Although CMC is generally considered safe for consumption, some people may experience digestive issues such as bloating and gas when consuming large amounts. It is important to note that CMC is not a nutrient and provides no nutritional value to food products. In conclusion, CMC is a versatile food additive that provides a range of benefits to food products. It is commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer, bulking agent, and freeze-thaw stabilizer. Its ability to improve the texture and stability of food products without affecting their sensory properties makes it a valuable ingredient in many food applications. CMC is also a useful ingredient in gluten-free baking. When combined with other flours, it can help improve the texture and structure of baked goods, such as bread and cakes, which would otherwise be too crumbly and dry. CMC can also be used in extruded snacks, such as chips and cereals, to improve their texture and prevent breakage during manufacturing and packaging. In the dairy industry, CMC is commonly used as a stabilizer in milk products to prevent separation and improve the texture of yogurts, cheeses, and ice creams. It can also be used in liquid dairy products such as milkshakes to add viscosity and improve mouthfeel. CMC can be found in a wide range of processed foods, including canned soups, frozen dinners, and snack foods. It is often used in these products because it is a relatively inexpensive ingredient that can be added in small quantities to achieve the desired texture and stability. However, some people prefer to avoid processed foods with CMC due to concerns about the safety of food additives. Speaking of safety, it's important to note that CMC is considered generally safe for consumption by regulatory agencies such as the FDA. However, there are some potential side effects associated with consuming foods containing CMC. Some people may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Additionally, there have been some studies linking CMC to intestinal inflammation and change in the gut microbiome. Despite these concerns, CMC is still widely used in the food industry because of its versatility and effectiveness. However, food manufacturers are required to follow strict regulations regarding the use of additives, including CMC. The maximum usage level of CMC is limited to 1% of the weight of the food product, and its use must be clearly labeled on the product's packaging. In summary, CMC is a widely used food additive that has many benefits for food manufacturers and consumers alike. Its ability to provide texture and stability to a wide range of food products, without affecting taste or aroma, has made it an indispensable ingredient in the food industry. While there are some concerns about its safety and potential side effects, strict regulations and labeling requirements help ensure that its use in food products is safe and transparent. So, next time you enjoy a creamy salad dressing, a scoop of ice cream, or a slice of gluten-free bread, you'll know that CMC is one of the ingredients responsible for making it so delicious and satisfying. Its use in the food industry may be controversial, but there's no denying that CMC plays an important role in the production and enjoyment of many of our favorite foods. Besides its use in the food industry, CMC also finds application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries as a thickener, binder, and emulsifier. It is used to manufacture tablets, gels, and creams, among other products. In the oil drilling industry, CMC is used as a drilling fluid additive to improve the fluid's viscosity and reduce friction. It is also used to prevent water loss in drilling fluids. There are different grades of CMC available, which vary in their viscosity, degree of substitution, and purity. The choice of grade depends on the specific application and the desired physical properties of the final product. Food grade CMC has a lower degree of substitution and a higher purity than industrial grade CMC, for example. While CMC is a synthetic chemical, its production is environmentally friendly in comparison to some other food additives. The raw material for CMC, cellulose, is abundant and renewable, and the chemical modification process results in little waste generation. Additionally, CMC is biodegradable, non-toxic, and does not accumulate in the environment or in food products. Despite its widespread use and generally recognized safety status, some consumers prefer to avoid CMC and other synthetic additives due to concerns about their health impacts. To address this, there is a growing trend toward natural and minimally processed foods that are free of synthetic additives. Food manufacturers are responding to this trend by removing synthetic additives from their products and exploring natural alternatives, such as xanthan gum, agar, and carrageenan. These alternatives can provide similar functionality to CMC and other synthetic additives, but with the added advantage of being derived from natural sources. In conclusion, CMC is an important food additive that has a wide range of applications in the food industry. Its ability to provide texture, stability, and viscosity to food products has made it a valuable ingredient for manufacturers. However, there are concerns about its safety and potential side effects, which have prompted some consumers to seek out natural alternatives. As the demand for clean label foods increases, the food industry is likely to continue exploring new ways to achieve functionality without relying on synthetic additives like CMC.