In the EU, HPMC is known as a food additive under the number E 464 and is approved for all foods. HPMC is used, for example, in the production of desserts, ice cream, baked goods, cookies, various sauces, ketchup, mayonnaise and fish products. HPMC is also frequently used in light products to give them the creaminess that would otherwise come from the fat content. Another advantage in this context is that the calorific value of the food is not increased.