- Availability: In Stock (more info)
- Product Code: MSK-3855
Methocel (methylcellulose) is a chemical compound derived from cellulose. It is a hydrophilic (blends with water) white powder and dissolves in cold (but not hot) liquid, forming a clear viscous solution or gel.
Applications: Foam formation & stabilisation. Film formation. Hot gels which melt upon cooling and in the mouth.
Thickener and emulsifier - Methocel can be used as a thickener in sauces and dressings, and also as a thickener and stabiliser in ice cream where it helps prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
Hot gels – it has a unique ability to form hot gels when heated above 45ºC. As the solution is heated it will change to an opaque jellified state. When gradually cooled it will return to its original state. It is this function, which enables the production of hot jellies, noodles, deep fried mayonnaise and hot ice creams.
Film forming - capable of producing a solid, flexible and transparent film. Films may be produced by allowing the methocel solution to dry out, at low temperature (not above 60ºC) to prevent the solution from gelling. Films can be used as wrappers for petit fours or to add an extra dimension to dishes
Rate of Hydration: Methocel dissolves in cold water. It is not soluble in hot water. However, preparing a solution of Methocel with just cold water is not possible as the Methocel will not disperse and lumps may form. To overcome this problem, the Methocel should first be dispersed in hot water (above 70ºC). The amount of water should equal and replace approximately one third of the amount of liquid specified in the recipe. At this point, the balance of the liquid in the recipe should be added to the warm solution. This will bring the temperature of the solution down and the Methocel will dissolve.
Gel Strength: Varied
Colour: White Powder
Solubility: Cold
Ph Solubility: 3-11
Dosage Rates: 0.5% to 2.0%
Orders received after 4pm will normally be processed on the next working day.
Availability
All In Stock items are available for immediate dispatch (although quantities may be limited).
Items marked Special Order are either out of stock or not routinely held in stock in our UK warehouse and will need to be ordered in. Please contact us for information on lead times.
Some products not currently in stock may state a standard lead time, e.g. 2-3 weeks for non-stocked 100% Chef products. In practice we are finding these lead times can vary considerably at the moment, and it's always best to give us a ring to discuss.
The following charges for delivery (exVAT) will apply for all customers from 1 August 2023.
UK mainland*
- Next day courier service: £5.95, free for all orders over £99
- Weekday pre-noon service: £15.00
- Saturday all-day service: £20.00
- Saturday pre-10:30 service: £35.00
*(Does not include Scottish Highlands)
Scottish Highlands, Scottish Islands and the Isle of Wight
- One to five day Recorded Delivery via Royal Mail: £10.00
- Two day courier service: £20.00
Northern Ireland
- One to five day Recorded Delivery via Royal Mail: £10.00
- Two day courier service: £20.00
Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Scilly Isles
- One to five day Recorded Delivery via Royal Mail: £10.00
Please note we also have distributors in the Channel Isles and the Isle of Man.
International Orders
- Charged individually based on weight and zone
- We deliver worldwide using DHL. Due to the complexities of shipping to international destinations we may have to charge additional fees where the delivery region or size/weight of the order necessitates it. We will always contact you to confirm these additional fees before we accept and process your order.
- Please note the website does not calculate or charge local import taxes or customs duties for non-UK destinations. You are liable for payment of these if they arise.
Please Note: Our standard next working day service (where available) is not a guaranteed service. If you need a guaranteed service, please select the pre-noon service.
Our delivery prices are estimates, and we reserve the right to charge additional fees for large orders or palletised delivery where necessary, but we will always contact you in advance should this be necessary. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.
Delivery notifications and tracking information will normally be sent to the email address used to placed the order.
Please contact us if your order has not arrived after three days (or five days for recorded delivery). All courier deliveries are geotagged and photographed which usually helps us locate your parcel.
Returns and damaged goods
For businesses, all claims must be notified by phone or email within 24 hours. Damaged or incorrect goods must be retained and made available for collection or inspection.
For individuals, you can cancel your order within 14 days of receipt as long as the item is unused and in a resalable condition. For food ingredients this means the seal must not be broken (unless damaged in transit). Please give us a ring or contact us by email to arrange a return.
Ingredients / Allergens / Nutritional Data
Full product specifications are available for all food ingredients on request - just give us a ring or use the 'Ask Question' button above (with the envelope icon) to send us a message.
Shelf Life
Our standard offer is a minimum of 3 months shelf life on all food ingredients, although most products are normally supplied with much longer dates. If 3 months is insufficient for your needs then please ring us before you order to check what dates we have available. In some cases we may require a minimum order quantity in order that a batch can be produced to your requirements.
Samples
We are happy to supply free samples to customers wanting to test our ingredients. This will typically be 5ml for flavourings and 5 to 50g for dry ingredients, although it does depend on the product. Some ingredients cannot be supplied as samples due to the way they are packaged, but please ask in all cases.
Unfortunately we cannot normally supply samples of tools, equipment or serviceware.
Bulk and volume orders
We can usually offer discounts for larger pack sizes. Please contact us for more details.
Split orders
Unfortunately we cannot normally supply split packs of items.