This cellulose powder has: an average degree of polymerization of 100 to 300 a weight average particle size of over 30 mum, but less than 250 mum an apparent specific volume of 2.0 cm3/g to less than 4.0 cm3/g and an organic carbon content from residual impurities, which is defined by the total organic carbon content (%) during 1% NaOH extraction to the total organic carbon content (%) during pure water extraction, of 0.002 to 0.060%.