What it does
They support mixing and texture. The source may be named on the label, such as soya or sunflower lecithin, especially where allergen labelling matters.
Names you may see on the label
lecithin; lecithins; soya lecithin; sunflower lecithin; E322; E 322
Where it showed up in our published study
In the published 10 October 2026 snapshot, lecithins appeared in protein bars and snacks (13), protein powders (7), protein shakes and drinks (2), and protein cereals and oats (1).
Counts are per record and do not measure Irish sales or the whole market.
Label rules
When lecithins come from soya, the allergen source must be named and emphasised in the ingredients list.
The rule shown for lecithins comes from Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011, Article 21 and/or Annex III as applicable: official EUR-Lex text (checked 24 October 2026).
FoodSussed processing Level
FoodSussed treats a declared emulsifier as one processing marker. Lecithin alone does not decide the final Level.
Health and safety disclaimer
This page makes no health or safety verdict. EU authorisation is conditional by food category and may include limits or other restrictions; it is not unlimited permission in every food.
One permitted-use example
The EU list permits lecithins in cocoa and chocolate products, subject to the conditions in the relevant food category.
The E322 example links to an official EUR-Lex permitted-use source checked 24 October 2026. The European Commission food-additives database was checked on the same date for lecithins.
Questions people ask
How can I recognise lecithins on a food label?
Lecithins may be declared as lecithin; lecithins; soya lecithin; sunflower lecithin; E322; E 322, including the number E322.
Where did lecithins appear in the published study?
The largest published product-type group for lecithins was protein bars and snacks (13 of 23 matched records).
Sources
- European Commission food-additives database (checked 24 October 2026)
- EU permitted-use source for the example above (checked 24 October 2026)
- Published 10 October study JSON used for the lecithins product-type counts