Derivatives of cellulose may be produced by modification of the molecules. Some derivatives yield bulking agents, flow agents, and gums to thicken. Gums will be covered in more detail in another section specific to them. Pectin Naturally occurring in plant cell walls, these molecules form gels. In order to do so, a dehydrating agent such as sugar and the proper amount of acid must be present.
Pectins are what are commonly used to produce jellies.
Maltodextrin Maltodextrins are derived from corn starches. They are classified by dextrose equivalent or DE, which is a measure of the reducing sugars present calculated as dextrose and expressed as a percentage of the total dry substance. At and above 20 DE, the product is classified as Corn Syrup Solids. The lower the D.E., the less sweet and the more like starch the maltodextrin is. As the D.E. decreases from 20 to 1, the maltodextrins also decrease in solubility.