What is lecithin?
Lecithin (E322) keeps fat and water mixed. It can be made from soy, sunflower, rapeseed or egg yolk. Soy and egg are declared allergens in the UK, the EU, the US, Canada and the Gulf, so when lecithin comes from one of those the label must name it. When a pack says only “lecithin” or “emulsifier (E322)”, the source is not stated on the pack, so it is something to check rather than something to rule out.
Where is lecithin found?
- Chocolate and chocolate coatings usually contain it.
- Bread, cakes and biscuits use it to keep the crumb soft.
- Margarine, spreads and dressings use it to keep oil and water mixed.
- Infant formula and supplements can contain it.
Label code: E322
E-number pageE322 · Lecithins
What are the other names for lecithin on a label?
On a label, lecithin can also appear as “E322”, “Soya lecithin”, “Sunflower lecithin”, “Rapeseed lecithin” or “Egg lecithin”.
Is lecithin a major allergen?
Lecithin itself is not on the allergen lists. When it comes from soy or egg, the label must name that source.
| Allergen | US | UK and Europe | Gulf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soybeans | Required | Required | Required |
| Eggs | Required | Required | Required |
Sources checked 22 September 2026.
Which diets and allergies does lecithin fit?
For lecithin: vegan, egg-allergy and soy-allergy profiles get Heads up; vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, peanut-allergy, sesame-allergy and caffeine-free profiles get Fits you.
A packed product can still carry a “may contain” warning, so check the pack.
Does lecithin fit you?
Pick what applies to you:
Pick at least one to see your answer.
How does Bravoora check for lecithin?
Bravoora checks whether the source of lecithin is stated, and shows it as unclear when it is not.
More questions about lecithin
Who looks out for lecithin?
Lecithin matters most to people with a soy or egg allergy, and anyone following a vegan profile who wants to know the source.
Is lecithin vegan?
It depends. Soy, sunflower and rapeseed lecithin are plant-based; egg lecithin is not.
Does lecithin fit an egg allergy profile?
It depends. When lecithin comes from egg, the label has to name egg. When it says only “lecithin”, the source is not stated.
Does lecithin fit a soy allergy profile?
It depends. When lecithin comes from soy, the label has to name soy. When it says only “lecithin”, the source is not stated.
Is lecithin vegetarian?
Yes. Soy, sunflower, rapeseed and egg lecithin all suit most vegetarian diets; none is made from meat or fish.
Sources and how to cite this guide
- EU Regulation 1333/2008 (food additives)
- US FDA: Food allergies
- UK Food Standards Agency: Allergen guidance
- European Union: Regulation 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, Annex II
- US FDA: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergen Labeling, Edition 5 (January 2025)
- FARE: Update to FDA guidance for food allergen labeling (tree nuts and coconut, January 2025)
- GCC Standardization Organization: GSO 9:2022, labelling of prepackaged food (current edition)
- GCC Standardization Organization: GSO 9/2013 English text, clause 5.2.5 (the allergen list as published)
- FAO/WHO international food labelling standard (CXS 1-1985, revised 2024)
To cite this guide: Bravoora, “Lecithin (E322): what it is and where it’s used”, bravoora.app/ingredients/lecithin/, updated 11 October 2026.
Spotted something wrong or missing? Tell us.
General information, not medical advice. Rules differ by country and products change, so always check the pack.
Related ingredient guides
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