INS 463 is hydroxypropyl cellulose, often abbreviated HPC. It is a plant-cellulose emulsifier and film-former used in salad dressings, sauces, gluten-free baking, and as a thin coating layer on pharmaceutical and supplement tablets. It is part of the same modified-cellulose family as INS 466 (CMC), INS 461 (methyl cellulose), and INS 464 (HPMC). It is generally vegan and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
Quick Facts
INS Number
463
E-Number
E463
Category
Emulsifier
Veg Status
Vegan
FSSAI Status
Permitted by FSSAI
JECFA ADI
Not specified (1989)
Chemical Name
hydroxypropyl cellulose (hydroxypropyl ether of cellulose; cellulose hydroxypropyl ether)
What is INS 463?
INS 463 is hydroxypropyl cellulose, often abbreviated HPC. It is a plant-cellulose emulsifier and film-former used in salad dressings, sauces, gluten-free baking, and as a thin coating layer on pharmaceutical and supplement tablets. It is part of the same modified-cellulose family as INS 466 (CMC), INS 461 (methyl cellulose), and INS 464 (HPMC).
Why brands add it
Brands use it because HPC is soluble in both water and many organic solvents, which is unusual for cellulose ethers. That dual solubility makes it useful in oil-and-water emulsions like dressings (where it stabilises the blend) and as a thin film on pharma tablets (where it acts as a vegan alternative to the gelatin or shellac coatings used historically). It also keeps gluten-free dough cohesive enough to handle.
Where you'll find it
INS 463 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
salad dressings and emulsified sauces
gluten-free baking flour mixes
pharmaceutical and supplement tablet coatings
chewing gum
ice cream and frozen desserts
whipped toppings and dairy alternatives
specialty food films and edible coatings
Veg or non-veg? - Vegan
Hydroxypropyl cellulose is made from plant cellulose (typically wood pulp or cotton linters) chemically modified with propylene oxide to introduce hydroxypropyl groups. No animal product is used in its manufacture. As a tablet-coating material, HPC is one of the standard vegan alternatives to gelatin and shellac (INS 904) coatings.
FSSAI status and JECFA evaluation
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI as an emulsifier, stabiliser, and thickener under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories with category-specific limits.
JECFA: Group ADI 'not specified' for modified celluloses (INS 461, 463, 464, 466, and other cellulose ethers), established at the 35th JECFA (1989). 'Not specified' means JECFA did not consider a numerical limit necessary at expected use levels. The basis is that hydroxypropyl cellulose is not absorbed intact through the gut, is not significantly fermented in the colon, and is excreted via the faeces; the JECFA evaluation found no observed adverse effects at the highest dose tested (6,000 mg per kg of body weight per day in rat feeding studies). EFSA's 2018 re-evaluation of the cellulose family reaffirmed the JECFA position and concluded there is no safety concern at the reported uses and use levels.
Also known as
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 463 is also called:
463ins 463e463e 463hydroxypropyl cellulosehydroxypropylcellulosehpcklucelcellulose hydroxypropyl ethermodified cellulosevegan film formere-463
Frequently Asked Questions
Is INS 463 vegetarian?+
Vegan. Hydroxypropyl cellulose is made from plant cellulose (typically wood pulp or cotton linters) chemically modified with propylene oxide to introduce hydroxypropyl groups. No animal product is used in its manufacture. As a tablet-coating material, HPC is one of the standard vegan alternatives to gelatin and shellac (INS 904) coatings.
Is INS 463 permitted by FSSAI?+
Permitted by FSSAI as an emulsifier, stabiliser, and thickener under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories with category-specific limits.
What is INS 463 used for?+
Brands use it because HPC is soluble in both water and many organic solvents, which is unusual for cellulose ethers. That dual solubility makes it useful in oil-and-water emulsions like dressings (where it stabilises the blend) and as a thin film on pharma tablets (where it acts as a vegan alternative to the gelatin or shellac coatings used historically). It also keeps gluten-free dough cohesive enough to handle.
Is INS 463 (also written as E463) the same thing?+
Yes. INS 463 (the Codex International Numbering System used by FSSAI) and E463 (the European E-number system) refer to the same compound. The digits are identical for almost all common additives. Indian packets may show either form, or the common name (hydroxypropyl cellulose (hpc)).
This page summarises FSSAI's permission status and JECFA's scientific evaluation. It is not medical or dietary advice. Manufacturer ingredient sourcing can vary, especially for source-dependent additives - the Indian veg/non-veg dot logo on the pack is the brand's declaration. For health decisions, consult a doctor or registered dietitian.