You may also find it in cocoa powder, spreads, chocolate, and baked goods.
This compound acts as an emulsifier and thickener, improving food quality.
From a chemical standpoint, lecithin is a phospholipid consisting of several chemicals, such as phosphatidylcholine.
The most common variety is soybean lecithin, but there are some concerns regarding itsallergenic potential.
Soy, corn, and sunflower lecithin are vegan-friendly, but some food products contain egg yolk lecithin.
confirm the label says “100% vegan” or something similar.
Ideally, choose products withThe Vegan Trademark, which ensures they contain no animal ingredients.
Are there any vegan alternatives to lecithin?
Soy lecithin is a popular choice among vegans, but it may trigger allergic reactions.
On top of that, lecithin regardless of its source can upset your stomach, warns theUniversity of Rochester.
Sunflower lecithin isless likely to cause allergies, but you may have a hard time finding it in stores.
Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives to this common food additive.
Another option isxanthan gum, a stabilizer and thickener produced through fermentation.
It works best in gluten-free pasta, homemade bread, and baked goods.
An even better choice is ground flaxseed, which can be used as a food binder and thickener.
