Is E322 vegetarian or non veg?

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

E322, also known as lecithin, is an emulsifier found in countless food products and is widely used for its ability to bind oil and water together. Its vegetarian status is not straightforward and depends entirely on its source, which can be either plant-based or animal-based, requiring careful label inspection.

Quick Summary

E322 (lecithin) can be derived from plant sources like soy and sunflower, making it vegetarian, or from animal sources such as egg yolk, making it non-vegetarian. Checking specific product labeling is crucial to determine its origin for dietary purposes.

Key Points

Source is Key: E322, or lecithin, is vegetarian only if derived from a plant source like soy, sunflower, or rapeseed.
Vague Labeling Warning: If a product lists only 'Lecithin' or 'E322' without specifying the source, it could potentially be non-vegetarian, often derived from egg yolk.
Look for Clear Labels: Many transparent manufacturers specify "Soy Lecithin" or "Sunflower Lecithin" to indicate a plant-based origin.
Egg Yolk Source: Historically and in some modern products, lecithin is isolated from egg yolks, making it unsuitable for vegans and some vegetarians.
Trust Certified Products: For assurance, look for vegetarian or vegan certification labels on packaging, which guarantees a plant-based source for all ingredients.
Contact Manufacturers: The most reliable method for determining the source of E322 when labels are unclear is to contact the food manufacturer directly.

The Dual Nature of E322: Plant vs. Animal Sources

E322 refers to lecithins, a class of fatty substances that function as natural emulsifiers, stabilisers, and antioxidants in a wide range of food products. The key to determining whether E322 is vegetarian or non-vegetarian lies in its origin. Lecithin can be commercially extracted from either plant or animal tissues, which is why its status is not universal.

Plant-Based E322 (Vegetarian/Vegan)

Most E322 used in commercial food production today is derived from plant sources, primarily due to large-scale availability and lower cost.

Soy Lecithin: Extracted from soybeans during oil production, this is the most common form of E322 found in processed foods. If the label specifies "soy lecithin" or "lecithin (from soy)", it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
Sunflower Lecithin: Another popular plant-based source, sunflower lecithin is derived from sunflower seeds. Like soy lecithin, it is a vegan-friendly emulsifier.
Rapeseed (Canola) Lecithin: Some products may use rapeseed as a source for lecithin, which is also plant-based and suitable for vegetarian and vegan consumption.

Animal-Based E322 (Non-Vegetarian/Vegan)

Historically, lecithin was first isolated from egg yolks, and this is still a potential source, particularly for specific applications.

Egg Lecithin: Extracted from egg yolk, this form of E322 is not suitable for vegans or ovo-vegetarians. While less common in mass-market food due to cost, it is still used, and its presence is not always explicitly stated if the label simply says "E322".
Other Animal Tissues: While less common in modern food processing, lecithin can technically be derived from other animal tissues.

How to Determine the Origin of E322 on Labels

Since the source can vary, a consumer must be vigilant when reading ingredient lists. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you identify the origin of E322:

Look for Specific Labeling: The most reliable method is to check if the ingredient list specifies the source. Look for phrases like "Soy Lecithin," "Sunflower Lecithin," or "Lecithin (from soy)".
Check for Vegetarian/Vegan Certification: Many products carry a "Suitable for Vegetarians" or "Certified Vegan" label. If such a claim is present, any E322 used will be from a plant-based source.
Ambiguous Labels: If the label only lists "Lecithin" or the code "E322" without further clarification, the source is uncertain. In this case, you cannot assume it is vegetarian.
Contact the Manufacturer: For absolute certainty, especially on products with generic labeling, the best course of action is to contact the food manufacturer directly and ask about the source of their E322.

Comparing E322 Sources


Feature	Plant-Based E322 (e.g., Soy, Sunflower)	Animal-Based E322 (e.g., Egg Yolk)
Source	Soybeans, sunflower, rapeseed	Egg yolk, animal tissue
Common Labeling	Soy Lecithin, Lecithin (from Soy), Sunflower Lecithin	Often just "Lecithin" or "E322" if not specified
Vegetarian Status	Yes, suitable for vegetarians and vegans	No, contains egg/animal derivatives
Prevalence	Very common in commercially processed foods	Less common in standard processed food, but used

Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives to E322

For those who wish to avoid all forms of animal-derived additives, or when a product's E322 source is unclear, several alternatives can serve the same function as an emulsifier. Plant-based lecithins from soy and sunflower are the most direct replacements, but other emulsifying agents are also available:

Guar Gum (E412): Extracted from guar beans, this is a vegetarian- and vegan-friendly thickener and emulsifier.
Xanthan Gum (E415): Produced by fermenting sugar, xanthan gum is a reliable vegan emulsifier.
Alginic Acid (E400): Derived from seaweed, this is a plant-based emulsifying agent.
Carrageenan (E407): Another seaweed-derived ingredient, carrageenan is a vegetarian and vegan stabilizer.

Conclusion: The Importance of Label Scrutiny

In summary, the question "Is E322 vegetarian or non veg?" does not have a single answer. The emulsifier's vegetarian status is entirely dependent on its source. While the vast majority of commercial E322 is plant-based, primarily from soy and sunflower, it can also be sourced from eggs. Consumers committed to a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle must scrutinize ingredient labels for specific source information or look for certified products to ensure their food aligns with their dietary choices. When in doubt, contacting the manufacturer is the only way to be certain. For more information on food additive regulations, you can consult authoritative sources such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, its vegetarian status depends entirely on its source, which can be plant-based (like soy) or animal-based (like egg yolk).

The most common sources for E322 used in food are plant-based, such as soybeans and sunflower seeds, but it can also be derived from animal sources like egg yolks.

Look for specific descriptors such as 'Soy Lecithin' or 'Sunflower Lecithin' on the ingredient list. If it only says 'Lecithin' or 'E322', the source is ambiguous.

Yes, soy lecithin is derived from soybeans and is considered vegan, as it comes from a plant source.

Yes, if a product has a certified vegetarian label, the E322 used must be from a plant-based source.

Lecithin from eggs is sometimes used in specific products, particularly in medicine or supplements, and was the original source from which lecithin was isolated.

If the label is unclear and there is no vegetarian or vegan certification, you should assume the source could be animal-based or contact the manufacturer for clarification.