Is it vegan? Additives & E-numbers E322
Is lecithin vegan?
Quick answer: Usually. Lecithin (E322) in food is almost always made from soya or sunflower, which is vegan, but it can also come from egg yolk.
Also called: E322, lecithins, soy lecithin, soya lecithin, sunflower lecithin, egg lecithin
The details
Lecithins are emulsifiers made from phospholipids. The Vegetarian Resource Group notes that soy is the standard source in the food industry today, with sunflower and rapeseed also common. Egg yolk lecithin exists but is less common in mass-market foods.
Because egg is a major allergen, EU and UK law requires egg-derived ingredients to be emphasised in the ingredient list, so egg lecithin would normally be labelled as such.
What to look for on the label
- E322
- lecithin(s)
- soya/sunflower/rapeseed lecithin (vegan)
- egg lecithin (not vegan)
Where it’s found
- Chocolate
- Margarine and spreads
- Baked goods
- Supplements
Vegan alternatives
- Sunflower or soya lecithin
Frequently asked questions
Is lecithin vegan?
Usually. Lecithin (E322) in food is almost always made from soya or sunflower, which is vegan, but it can also come from egg yolk.
Is soy lecithin vegan?
Yes. Soy lecithin is extracted from soybean oil.
Does lecithin in chocolate mean it is vegan?
Lecithin itself is usually vegan, but check the chocolate for milk ingredients.
Sources
- Approved additives and E numbers — Food Standards Agency (UK)
- Re-evaluation of lecithins (E 322) as a food additive (2017) — EFSA Journal
- Ingredient questions and answers — The Vegetarian Resource Group
- Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers (allergen labelling, Annex II) — EUR-Lex
Checked on 31 October 2026. Ingredients and recipes change, and the same product can differ between countries — always check the current label. This page is general information, not allergy or medical advice.