Cellulose derivatives, extracted from plants, cotton, or even wood, are used in food processing as thickeners, stabilizers or emulsifiers.
Due to their fiber content, cellulose derivatives can help with the blending of ingredients, aiding gel formation and preventing ingredient caking. Cellulose products are used in foods such as ice cream, icings, fillings, candies, and jellies.
There is some concern about the carcinogenicity of products that contain chemically extracted cellulose, but they are still accepted as safe and remain on the GRAS list.