Foods Containing E322 (Lecithins)
E322 (Lecithins) is an emulsifier usually made from soya beans or sunflower seeds — vegan in almost all products, but can come from egg. Here's where you're most likely to find it on food labels.
Common foods that contain E322
E322 is used across oils, margarine, snacks, cured meats, soft drinks and processed foods. The foods where it appears most often include:
- Chocolate
- Margarine
- Baked goods
- Salad dressings
- Instant powders
Exact usage varies by brand and recipe — the only way to know for certain whether a specific product contains E322 is to check its ingredients list, where it must be declared by law, either as "E322" or as "Lecithins".
How to spot E322 on a label
In the UK and EU, additives must appear in the ingredients list with their function and either their E-number or full name — for example "antioxidants: E322" or "antioxidants: lecithins". In the US the E-number system isn't used, so look for the full name "Lecithins" instead.
Should you avoid foods containing E322?
E322 is considered safe. It is authorised across the EU, UK and US, and safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have not identified health concerns at the levels used in food. For most people there is no reason to avoid E322.
Full guide to E322: safety, vegan and halal status →
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Additive data sourced from Open Food Facts (ODbL licence) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).