The rheological properties of edible film-forming dispersions containing corn starch, methylcellulose (MC) and glycerol were studied using oscillatory and steady shear flow tests. The combined effects of glycerol content and blending levels of MC with starch on the rheological properties of dispersion were evaluated. The flow curves showed shear-thinning behaviour. Mechanical spectra and Cox-Merz superposition of steady-shear viscosity and dynamic viscosity were consistent with polymer solutions containing topological entanglement interactions of chains. Dispersion stability results showed total recovery of the viscoelastic properties of dispersions subject to high strains, as expected for entangled polymers. MC was the main factor influencing apparent viscosity and viscoelastic properties. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.