Ingredient

Soy Or Sunflower Lecithin

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use lecithin as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and preservative in a wide variety of …

What it is

Lecithin is a type of fat that is found naturally in many foods, including soybeans and sunflower seeds. It is often extracted from these sources using a chemical process. Lecithin acts as an emulsifier, meaning it helps to mix ingredients that normally don't blend well, like oil and water.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use lecithin as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and preservative in a wide variety of foods. It helps create a smoother texture, prevents ingredients from separating, and can extend shelf life. You'll find it in baked goods, chocolate, margarine, and processed snacks.

Health notes

Soy and sunflower lecithin are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). International bodies like the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have also evaluated lecithin. At typical consumption levels, it is not associated with adverse health effects. Some research has explored its role in cognitive function, but more studies are needed.

Allergen info

Soy lecithin is derived from soy, which is one of the nine FDA major allergens. Sunflower lecithin is not derived from any of the major allergens.

Products containing Soy Or Sunflower Lecithin

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Renaissance Food Group, LLC Napa Snacker Lunch Snacks & Combinations High in sodium — 23% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 65% DV per serving 256kcal 12.8Protein 19.2Fat 20.5Carbs Coconut Chews, Dark Chocolate Falcon Trading Company Inc. Coconut Chews, Dark Chocolate Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 60% DV per serving 525kcal 5Protein 37.5Fat 50Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Chocolate Chips Colorado Mountain Mix, Chocolate Chips Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 467kcal 13.3Protein 26.7Fat 50Carbs Original Gourmet Food Company Inc. Vanilla Cream Sugar Wafers, Vanilla Cream Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 500kcal 7.5Protein 22.5Fat 65Carbs Falcon Trading Company Inc. Coconut Dark Chocolate Almonds Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 45% DV per serving 550kcal 10Protein 45Fat 42.5Carbs Falcon Trading Company Inc. Berries 'N Chocolate Antioxidant Mix Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 500kcal 13.3Protein 33.3Fat 46.7Carbs Falcon Trading Company Inc. Caramel Toffee Nut Mix Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 525kcal 12.5Protein 35Fat 50Carbs Falcon Trading Company Inc. Sea Salt & Turbinado Dark Chocolate Almonds Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 525kcal 7.5Protein 37.5Fat 50Carbs Falcon Trading Company Inc. Yogurt Raisins Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 425kcal 2.5Protein 17.5Fat 70Carbs Falcon Trading Company Inc. Vanilla Yogurt Raisins, Vanilla Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 450kcal 2.5Protein 20Fat 70Carbs D.S.D. Merchandisers, Inc. Galaxy Mix Other Snacks High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 30% DV per serving 467kcal 6.7Protein 23.3Fat 66.7Carbs Falcon Trading Company Inc. Milk Chocolate, Peanut, Rainbow Drops Confections, Milk Chocolate, Peanut, Rainbow Drops Candy High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 533kcal 13.3Protein 30Fat 53.3Carbs

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.