What is E464?
E464 is Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, a thickener. Plant-derived. Used for vegetarian capsules.
Also written as: INS 464, E-464, E 464, hpmc, hypromellose. INS is the international numbering system used outside Europe, including on labels in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Frequently asked questions
Is E464 halal?
E464 (Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) is halal. Plant-derived. Used for vegetarian capsules.
What is E464 made from?
Plant fibre.
What is E464 used for?
E464 is used as a thickener, typically in desserts, sauces, dairy products, ice cream and soups.
What should I do if a product contains E464?
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
Related E-numbers
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. How we decide · Suggest a correction