PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a food shape retaining agent superior in shape retention of processed food, and capable of suppressing stickiness when touching with hands, or allowing to obtain excellent palate feeling.SOLUTION: A food shape retaining agent is such that the retaining agent as retaining agent for food is carboxy methyl cellulose having 0.01-0.40 of a carboxy methyl substituent per glucose unit, and a degree of crystallinity of cellulose I type of &ge40% and <88%, or its salt. The agent expresses excellent shape retention by using especially for frozen confectionery, gel-like food, paste food and filling.