The present invention relates to starch-based adhesive compositions comprising microfibrillated cellulose (“MFC”). In addition to microfibrillated cellulose, these adhesive compositions comprise at least one starch and/or at least one starch derivative. The adhesive compositions have a reduced amount of caustic soda vis-a-vis adhesive compositions that do not comprise MFC as an additive. Borax or boric acid (or any derivative thereof) may be partially or fully replaced with microfibrillated cellulose, wherein MFC (contrary to borax) surprisingly does not significantly affect the gel temperature of the overall adhesive.