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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Soy lecithin is commonly used as an emulsifier in processed foods. This means it …
What it is
Soy lecithin is a fatty substance derived from soybeans. It is typically produced by extracting the oil from soybeans and then processing it to isolate the lecithin. This process often involves degumming the soybean oil.
Why it's used
Soy lecithin is commonly used as an emulsifier in processed foods. This means it helps to mix ingredients that normally don't blend well, like oil and water. It's often found in chocolate, baked goods, and margarine to improve texture and shelf life.
Health notes
In the U.S., soy lecithin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as intended. It is a common food ingredient and is not typically associated with adverse health effects at the levels found in food. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated soy lecithin, and EFSA has also assessed its safety.
Allergen info
Soy lecithin is derived from soy, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. People with soy allergies should avoid products containing soy lecithin.
Note:
This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice.
Check the package label; formulations change.