What is E322? (Food Additive Explained)
E322 is lecithin — a natural emulsifier most commonly extracted from soybeans, but also found in egg yolks and sunflower seeds. It's one of the most widely used food additives, found in chocolate, margarine, bread, baked goods, and countless other products.
What is E322?
Full name: Lecithins
E322 refers to lecithins — a group of fatty compounds (phospholipids) found naturally in all living cells. In food manufacturing, lecithin is most commonly extracted from soybeans, sunflower seeds, or rapeseed as a by-product of oil refining. Egg yolk lecithin exists but is rarely used commercially due to cost. Soy lecithin dominates the market and is one of the most ubiquitous ingredients in processed food.
What does E322 do in food?
E322 works primarily as an emulsifier — it helps oil and water-based ingredients mix together smoothly. In chocolate, it reduces viscosity and makes the chocolate flow evenly during manufacturing (without it, chocolate production would use significantly more cocoa butter). In bread, it improves dough handling and shelf life. In margarine, it prevents water droplets from separating out. It can also function as a release agent, preventing food from sticking to equipment and packaging.
Where is E322 found?
E322 is commonly found in:
- Chocolate and chocolate products
- Bread, rolls, and baked goods
- Margarine and spreads
- Infant formula and baby food
- Ready meals and sauces
- Biscuits, cakes, and confectionery
Is E322 bad for you?
E322 is considered safe by all major food safety authorities. EFSA has not set an ADI, considering it safe at normal consumption levels. Lecithin is a natural component of many foods and is metabolised normally by the body. The main concern for consumers is allergens: soy lecithin is derived from soybeans and must be declared as a soy allergen on UK labels. People with soy allergies should look for sunflower lecithin as an alternative, which is increasingly common. The amount of soy protein in lecithin is typically very low, and many people with mild soy sensitivities tolerate it.
Why E322 matters for food choices
E322 is found in such a vast range of products that it's hard to use it as a meaningful marker of ultra-processing on its own. However, like E471, its presence usually indicates industrial manufacturing. Under NOVA, emulsifiers are considered markers of ultra-processed food when used in combination with other industrial additives. A chocolate bar with just 'cocoa, sugar, lecithin' is very different from a ready meal with lecithin alongside a dozen other additives.
See E322 in real products
We found E322 in these food categories. Read our full NOVA analysis:
Found this on a label?
Analyse the full ingredient list instantly
Paste any ingredient list into our free tools and see hidden sugars, processing level, and more.
Frequently asked questions
See this automatically while you shop Tesco
SpikeSaver detects additives like E322 automatically — no label reading needed.
Hidden sugars, NOVA classification, glucose impact, and keto suitability — all while you browse.
Install Chrome Extension — Free in BetaChrome extension · Free during beta · Works on Tesco.com