Methylcellulose is used as a thickener, gelling agent, stabilizer or coating agent. It thickens fluids and forms a jelly when heated. It also allows ice cream to melt more slowly. It stabilizes salad dressings and mayonnaise, and keeps the components of a dessert evenly mixed. Eating too much of it can cause intestinal discomfort such as diarrhea.
Very many categories of food, except in particular infant food.