What Is CMC and What Is It Used for in Ice Cream and Frozen Products?
Updated: 15 hours ago
What Is CMC?
CMC is a food additive available as a fine, white to cream-colored powder. It is odorless and tasteless and is derived from cellulose.
It is commonly used in food applications to help control sugar crystallization and acts as an emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener, and anti-caking agent. As a result, CMC can significantly improve the texture, consistency, and overall quality of food products.
Characteristic
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a cellulose ether obtained through the chemical modification of natural cellulose.
Uses
Dressings, Sauces & Soups
Thickener
Beverages
Improves texture
Ice Cream & Water Ice
Stabilizes the emulsion and helps prevent crystallization
Ice Pops
Controls ice crystal size
Fondant
Helps harden and provides flexibility
Shaved Ice Syrups
Thickener
Bread
Texturizer
Bakery & Pastry
Binding agent
Tortillas
Helps retain moisture and improves texture
Beer
Emulsifier and foam stabilizer
How Is CMC Used?
Because CMC is a very fine powder, it can be difficult to hydrate properly. For this reason, it should be incorporated into the solid phase of the formulation.
If your formulation contains sugar or other powdered ingredients, it is recommended to premix the CMC with these dry ingredients. This helps ensure better incorporation and prevents the formation of lumps.
If the formulation contains only a liquid phase, incorporate the required amount of CMC into 20 times its weight in water and mix vigorously. Mechanical mixing may be used to achieve better dispersion and hydration.
Dosage
0.15%–0.25%
1.5 g to 2.5 g per kg/L of finished product
Main Applications
Application | Dosage (g per kg of Finished Product) | Functional Property | Action in Food |
Ice Cream | 1–2 | Stabilizer | Controls crystallization, creating a smoother texture and improving yield. |
Ice Pops / Frozen Treats / Paletas | 1–2 | Stabilizer | Controls ice crystal formation, improving texture. |
Dressings | 6.5–8.5 | Stabilizer | Prevents spices and seasonings from settling at the bottom of the container. |
Milkshakes | 6.5–8.5 | Stabilizer Thickener | Helps maintain foam for longer and adds body to the product. |
Glazes or Icings / Meringues / Puddings | 10–20 | Stabilizer | Reduces syneresis (water separation). |
Baked Goods | 10–20 | Stabilizer | Improves volume by retaining moisture, providing better softness during storage. |
Donuts | 2.5 | Stabilizer | Improves yield and softness, promotes better glaze adhesion, and reduces oil absorption. |
Fondant | 1 | Stabilizer | Controls sugar crystal formation, providing a smooth and elastic texture. |
Fruit Juices | 1–1.5 | Thickener Stabilizer | Adds body to the product and helps prevent sedimentation. |
Recommendations for Application and Dissolution
CMC is a powder that is soluble in both cold and hot water (40–50 mg/mL). Preparing CMC solutions using low-speed agitation, such as manual stirring, is not recommended. The use of a magnetic stir bar is also not recommended.
If the product in which CMC will be used contains other solutes, such as salts, it is recommended to add the CMC before adding the salts.
CMC tends to agglomerate or form lumps when it comes into contact with water. To obtain a proper CMC solution, the dissolution process should be considered as a two-step operation:
1. Powder Dispersion in WaterThe individual particles must be wetted, and the solution should remain free of lumps.
2. Dissolution of the Wetted ParticlesOnce the CMC particles have been properly wetted, they can be fully dissolved through continued agitation.
To prepare lump-free solutions, the following CMC dispersion/dissolution methods can be used:
Method 1
Add CMC to water while it is being vigorously agitated and a vortex is forming. The powder should be added slowly enough to allow the particles to separate and their surfaces to become individually wetted, but quickly enough to minimize the development of viscosity.
The use of a mechanical agitator is recommended.
Method 2
Before adding CMC to the water, pre-wet the powder with a water-miscible liquid, such as alcohol, glycerin, or oil (if permitted by the formulation). These liquids do not hydrate or swell the CMC particles.
Use 2–3 parts of liquid for every 1 part of CMC. Then add the resulting dispersion to the water while stirring vigorously using a propeller mixer.
Method 3
Use a powder rehydration cone, such as an Eductor-Type Mixing Device or Powder Feeder, to wet the CMC particles before they are incorporated into the total volume of water.
These types of equipment are used to efficiently and economically incorporate powders into liquids, while reducing the risk of injury, shortening processing time, and improving yields.
Solutions to Common Problems
Common Problem | Solution / Recommendation |
Lumps form | Incorporate the CMC together with the other dry ingredients in the formulation. |
Lumps form | Dissolve the CMC in hot water using 20 times its weight in water, with vigorous agitation. |
The product feels too gummy | Excessive dosage. |
Side Effects
Excessive use (above the recommended dosage for each application) may negatively affect the flavor of the product, resulting in an unpleasant earthy, chalky, or plaster-like taste.
Dietary Restrictions
CMC can be consumed by all religious groups, as well as vegetarians and vegans.
Benefits of Using CMC
Improved Texture and Consistency
Thickening Agent: CMC acts as a thickener, improving the texture and consistency of food products such as sauces, dressings, dairy products, and desserts. This can make foods more appealing and enjoyable to consume.
Emulsion Stabilization: Helps maintain the homogeneity of emulsions by preventing the separation of components in products such as ice cream, mayonnaise, and creams.
Improved Food Stability
Stabilizing Agent: CMC helps prevent phase separation in liquid and semi-liquid products, improving stability during storage and extending product shelf life.
Particle Suspension: Keeps solid particles suspended in beverages and other liquid products, helping ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
Benefits for Special Diets
Dietary Fiber: Although it is not digested, CMC can function as a source of soluble dietary fiber, helping support regular bowel function and digestive health.
Low in Calories: CMC provides no significant calories, making it suitable for low-calorie and diet products.
Suitable for People with Food Allergies
Generally Hypoallergenic: CMC is generally considered non-allergenic, making it suitable for inclusion in products designed for people with food allergies.
Improved Mouthfeel
Enhanced Eating Experience: In products such as ice cream and beverages, CMC can improve mouthfeel by providing a smoother and creamier texture without the need for additional fat.
Use in Pharmaceutical Products and Supplements
Controlled Release: In pharmaceutical products, CMC can be used to help control the release of active ingredients, supporting the formulation and performance of medications and dietary supplements.
Stable Suspensions
Helps maintain the stability of liquid suspensions, promoting uniform distribution of ingredients in syrups and other liquid formulations.
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