What Is Lecithin?
Lecithin is a natural mix of fats called phospholipids, found in sunflower seeds, soybeans and egg yolk, and widely used in food.
What is lecithin made of?
Lecithin is mostly phospholipids, a family of fats that carry both a water-loving and an oil-loving end. The main ones are phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. Our sunflower lecithin contains about 25% phosphatidylcholine.
Where lecithin comes from
- Sunflower: from sunflower seeds, not soy.
- Soy: from soybeans. The most common commercial source.
- Egg: from egg yolk, where lecithin was first identified.
Lecithin in food
Because phospholipids sit between oil and water, lecithin is an emulsifier: it helps oil and water stay mixed. You will see it on ingredient lists as lecithin or food additive number 322, in chocolate, dressings, margarine and baked goods. At home, people add it to smoothies, dressings and baking. See how to use sunflower lecithin.
What is in a serve of ours
| Nutrition information | Per 2.5 g serve | Per 100 g |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 93 kJ (22 Cal) | 3700 kJ (884 Cal) |
| Protein | 0.0 g | 0.0 g |
| Fat, total | 2.3 g | 90.0 g |
| Saturated fat | 0.3 g | 11.0 g |
| Carbohydrate | 0.2 g | 8.0 g |
| Sugars | 0.1 g | 4.0 g |
| Sodium | 1 mg | 40 mg |
| Phosphatidylcholine | about 625 mg | about 25,000 mg |
Typical analysis from our label. Servings per 250 g jar: 100.