Humans cannot digest cellulose, but it is important in the diet as fibre. Fibre assists your digestive system – keeping food moving through the gut and pushing waste out of the body.

Is eating cellulose harmful?

There are no known harmful side effects from adding it to food, and it's completely legal. "Cellulose is a non-digestible plant fiber, and we actually happen to need non-digestible vegetable fiber in our food—that's why people eat bran flakes and psyllium husks," says Jeff Potter, author of Cooking for Geeks.

Why is eating cellulose good for you?

Cellulose is also an insoluble fiber and does not dissolve in water. When consumed, insoluble fibers can help push food through the digestive system and support regular bowel movements (2). In addition to their role in healthy digestion, dietary fibers like cellulose may promote health in other ways.