Comparing E322 - Lecithins vs E492 - Sorbitan tristearate

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Overview

E322 - Lecithins

Lecithins (E322) are mixtures of natural fats called phospholipids, most often taken from soy, sunflower, or egg yolk. In food, they act mainly as emulsifiers, helping oil and water mix, and as mild antioxidants that help keep flavors stable.

E492 - Sorbitan tristearate

Sorbitan tristearate (E492) is a food additive used to help oil and water mix and stay mixed. It gives smoother textures and more stable foams and creams in many foods. It is widely used as an emulsifier and stabiliser in the EU.

Synonyms

E322

Lecithins

Phosphatides

E492

Sorbitan tristearate

Functions

antioxidant emulsifier stabilizer

emulsifier stabilizer

Origins

Products

Found in 64,937 products

Found in 447 products

Search rank & volume

#287950 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#332420 / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×0.00

under-aware

×0.15

under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

Are lecithins bad for you?
No—lecithins (E322) are widely used emulsifiers and are generally recognized as safe at normal food levels; sensitive individuals should note potential soy or egg origins, and very high supplemental doses may cause mild digestive upset.
What are soya lecithins?
Soya lecithin is lecithin (E322) extracted from soybeans—a mixture of phospholipids used to emulsify and stabilize foods like chocolate, margarine, and baked goods; it contains only trace soy proteins but is still labeled for allergens.
What is soya lecithins?
Soya (soy) lecithin is the soybean-derived form of lecithin (E322), a blend of phospholipids used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and release agent in many processed foods.
Ammonium phosphatides in what products?
While not E322, ammonium phosphatides (E442) are a related emulsifier commonly used in chocolate and confectionery, spreads, and some bakery coatings as an alternative to lecithin to improve flow and texture.
Compound 1 is a member of which class of lipid molecules phosphatides?
Lecithins (E322) are phosphatides—specifically glycerophospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine.