Ingredient

Soy & Sunflower Lecithin

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers use soy and sunflower lecithin primarily as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It helps …

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 solvent like hexane, then purified. Lecithin acts as an emulsifier, helping to mix ingredients that normally don't blend well, like oil and water.

Why it's used

Manufacturers use soy and sunflower lecithin primarily as an emulsifier and stabilizer. It helps create a smoother texture, prevents ingredients from separating, and can improve shelf life. You'll find it in a wide range of products, including baked goods, chocolate, margarine, and processed snacks.

Health notes

Soy and sunflower lecithin are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They are common food ingredients, and consuming them in typical amounts is not associated with adverse health effects. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated lecithin and found it to be safe. While soy lecithin is derived from soy, the processing typically removes most of the allergenic protein.

Allergen info

Soy lecithin is derived from soy, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. However, the lecithin itself is highly processed and generally considered to have a low allergenic potential. Not a source of gluten.

Products containing Soy & Sunflower Lecithin

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Chuao Chocolatier Chuao Chocolatier, Cereal Smooch Bar, Cinnamon, Cinnamon Chocolate High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 525kcal 7.5Protein 32.5Fat 57.5Carbs Lunds Inc White Almond Bark Candy High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 571kcal 11.4Protein 37.1Fat 51.4Carbs Lunds Inc Peanut Butter Cup, Milk Chocolate Candy High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 543kcal 11.4Protein 37.1Fat 48.6Carbs Jo-Lee Food Products, Inc. Dark Chocolate Raisins, Dark Chocolate Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 433kcal 6.7Protein 15Fat 70Carbs Jo-Lee Food Products, Inc. Dark Chocolate Walnuts, Dark Chocolate Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 562kcal 9.4Protein 40.6Fat 43.8Carbs Chuao Chocolatier Chuao Chocolatier, Strawberry Waffle Wild Chocolate High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 525kcal 7.5Protein 30Fat 57.5Carbs Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. The Bakery, Hazelnut No Bake Cookies Cookies & Biscuits 355kcal 6.5Protein 16.1Fat 58.1Carbs D.S.D. Merchandisers, Inc. Rainbow Mix, Rainbow Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks 467kcal 10Protein 26.7Fat 56.7Carbs Lunds Inc Peanut Butter Grahams, Milk Chocolate Cookies & Biscuits High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 560kcal 8Protein 32Fat 56Carbs Jo-Lee Food Products, Inc. Dark Chocolate Raisins, Dark Chocolate Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 400kcal 3.3Protein 23.3Fat 60Carbs Dark Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans, Dark Chocolate Jo-Lee Food Products, Inc. Dark Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans, Dark Chocolate Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in added sugars — 22% DV per serving 467kcal 6.7Protein 30Fat 50Carbs Shima Foods Consolidated, Inc. Milk Chocolate Covered Cashews, Milk Chocolate Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving High in added sugars — 24% DV per serving 533kcal 6.7Protein 33.3Fat 56.7Carbs

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.