Soy lecithin
Soy lecithin is an emulsifier extracted from soybeans and is listed as lecithin or E322 on many labels.
- Used in
- Food ingredient
- Role
- Emulsifier
- E-number
- E322
Other names IngrediLens checks with this entry
The app's database groups these label names, including names used on labels in other European languages, with soy lecithin. Some are true synonyms, others are close relatives with the same allergen or concern.
Contains / relevant to
- Soy: Relevant to people avoiding soy. Soybean and soy-derived ingredients, including soy lecithin.
What to look for on labels
- On prepacked food in the EU and UK, soybeans must be emphasised in the ingredient list (usually in bold), so look for soy lecithin in bold or with its source named, for example “soy lecithin (soya)”.
- In the US, a major food allergen (milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame) must be named in brackets after the ingredient or in a “Contains:” line under the list.
- In the EU it can also appear as E322.
Related
- Soy proteinSoy protein is protein isolated from soybeans, including textured soy protein used as a meat substitute.
- Soy flourSoy flour is flour milled from soybeans.
- EdamameEdamame are young green soybeans, so they contain soy.
- E322: LecithinsE-number page: what the additive does and what to watch for.
- Is soy lecithin a soy allergen?Guide
- Hidden names for soy on food labelsGuide
- E-numbers explained: what food label codes meanGuide
Sources
Soybeans are a declarable allergen; lecithin is commonly soy-derived.
- EU Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information, Annex II (allergens)
- US Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA)
- IngrediLens ingredient database (names, flags and notes shown on this page)
Label information, not medical advice. This page describes how an ingredient is named and labelled and how IngrediLens flags it; it cannot tell you whether a product is safe for you. Always read the label on the product itself and follow the advice of your doctor, allergist or dermatologist. If someone shows signs of anaphylaxis, use their adrenaline auto-injector if they have one and call emergency services.
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