Ingredient · E322, E320

Soy Lecithin And BHA

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Soy lecithin acts as an emulsifier, helping to mix ingredients that normally separate, like …

What it is

Soy lecithin is a mixture of fatty substances called phospholipids, typically extracted from soybeans. It is obtained during the processing of soybean oil. BHA, or butylated hydroxyanisole, is a synthetic antioxidant.

Why it's used

Soy lecithin acts as an emulsifier, helping to mix ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water. It is also used to improve texture and extend shelf life in products such as chocolate, baked goods, and dressings. BHA is added to foods to prevent fats and oils from spoiling or going rancid, thereby extending the product's shelf life. It is commonly found in snack foods, cereals, and chewing gum.

Health notes

Soy lecithin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. JECFA has evaluated soy lecithin and set an acceptable daily intake. BHA is an FDA-approved food additive. JECFA has evaluated BHA and set an acceptable daily intake. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies BHA as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B). While some studies have shown mixed results regarding its health effects, regulatory bodies like the FDA generally consider it safe at the levels permitted in food.

Allergen info

Soy lecithin is derived from soy, which is one of the nine major allergens identified by the FDA. BHA is not a major allergen.

Products containing Soy Lecithin And BHA

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
Fannie May Confections, Inc. Rich Chocolate Mint Center Drenched In Creamy Pastel Coating, Mint Chocolate High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 548kcal 4.8Protein 38.1Fat 57.1Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Milk Chocolate Chocolate High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 558kcal 4.7Protein 37.2Fat 55.8Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Mint Meltaways Chocolate High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 558kcal 4.7Protein 37.2Fat 55.8Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Mint Meltaways Chocolate High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 558kcal 4.7Protein 37.2Fat 55.8Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Mint Meltaways Chocolate High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 558kcal 4.7Protein 37.2Fat 55.8Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Springtime Mint Meltaways Chocolate High in saturated fat — 55% DV per serving 558kcal 4.7Protein 37.2Fat 55.8Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Mint Meltaway Chocolate High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 571kcal 4.8Protein 38.1Fat 57.1Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Mint Meltaways Chocolate High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 558kcal 4.7Protein 37.2Fat 55.8Carbs Fannie May Confections, Inc. Fine Chocolates, Mint Meltaways Chocolate High in saturated fat — 50% DV per serving 558kcal 4.7Protein 37.2Fat 55.8Carbs
Salt (9 products) White Confection (9 products) Peppermint Oil (9 products) Dark Chocolate (9 products) An Emulsifier (9 products) Chocolate Liquor (9 products) Cocoa Butter (9 products) Processed With Alkali (9 products) FD&C Blue No.1 Lake (9 products) FD&C Yellow No.5 Lake (9 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.