What is cellulose fiber?
Cellulose fibre is a tasteless, odourless, white functional food fibre purified from plant cell walls. Cellulose content exceeds 99% and it is almost entirely insoluble fibre. It provides no calories in digestion, so it serves as both a bulking agent and a fibre source in low-calorie and high-fibre products. It binds 5–8 times its own weight in water.
What does micron size mean?
Cellulose fibre is graded by average fibre length: 90 micron, 200 micron, 500 micron and so on. Long fibres (200 µm and above) give higher water holding and more pronounced structure; in meat products they form a network that improves slice strength. Short fibres (90 µm) give a smoother texture without grittiness and are preferred in dairy and beverages. The grade choice directly determines the texture result.
Applications in food manufacturing
Water binding and cooking yield in sausages, cold cuts and meatballs; moisture retention and fibre enrichment in bread and bakery; anti-caking (surface coating) in shredded cheese; bulking in low-calorie and diet products; viscosity in ready sauces and fillings; pet food. Typical usage is 1–3% in meat, 2–5% in bakery and 1–2% in cheese.
Regulation: E460 and labelling
Powdered cellulose appears in additive regulations as E460(ii) and may generally be used quantum satis (as much as technologically needed). Depending on the application it is declared on the label as "cellulose", "powdered cellulose" or "E460". Because declaration options as plant fibre differ between countries, check the regulation of the target market.
Technical properties and quality criteria
Check cellulose purity (≥ 99%), average fibre length (µm), water-holding capacity, moisture (≤ 8%), whiteness (≥ 85%), bulk density, heavy metals, microbiological values and allergen/GMO statements. The source (wood-based or plant-based) should be stated in the specification.
What to check when buying
Define the target texture first and choose the micron grade; the wrong grade causes grittiness or insufficient structure. Whiteness matters in light-coloured products. Germany, China and Austria are common origins. Obtain the specification, lot-specific COA, heavy metal report, allergen/GMO statements and halal/kosher certificates with the quotation.
Wholesale sourcing: price and minimum order
The wholesale price of cellulose fibre is set by fibre length, purity, whiteness, source and order quantity. Because the product is very light and bulky, pallet weights are low and freight can be decisive in the price. The typical minimum order is one pallet. PERDIST identifies the grade suited to your target texture, compares sources and provides a written quotation with documents.
Frequently asked questions
Need current pricing, minimum order, origin or technical documents for this ingredient? Tell us the application and monthly quantity; we reply with a written quotation within one business day.