Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) vs. E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer)
E330: Citric Acid (Universal Acidulant / Chelator)
Lecithin (E322) is a complex mixture of zwitterionic polar phospholipids (phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol) derived from soybeans, sunflower seeds, or egg yolks, functioning as an amphiphilic oil-in-water surfactant and chocolate viscosity reducer.
E330 (Citric Acid) is a tricarboxylic organic acid produced by industrial fermentation of Aspergillus niger on carbohydrate substrates. INS 330, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the single most widely used acidulant, flavor enhancer, and metal chelator on Earth.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
|
Not Specified (Quantum Satis / GRAS under FDA 21 CFR 184.1400) | Not Limited (Quantum Satis) |
|
INS / E-Number
|
INS 322i (Lecithin) / INS 322ii (Partially Hydrolyzed) | — |
|
Primary Phospholipid Composition
|
19–21% Phosphatidylcholine (PC), 8–20% PE, 10–15% PI | — |
|
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
|
HLB 4.0–6.0 (Standard unbleached) / HLB 8.0–10.0 (Enzymatically modified lyso-lecithin) | — |
|
Acetone-Insoluble Matter
|
≥ 60.0% (standard benchmark of active phospholipid content) | — |
|
Major Sources
|
Soybean (Glycine max), Sunflower (Helianthus annuus - non-GMO / allergen-free), Rapeseed, Egg yolk | — |
|
E-Number Code
|
— | E330 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 330 |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Acidity Regulator, Acidulant, Sequestrant, Antioxidant Synergist |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | C6H8O7 (2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Delivers bright citrus sourness; chelates pro-oxidant metal ions (Fe/Cu); activates pectin gelation |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Citrus beverages, candy/confectionery, jams, canned tomatoes, cheese curdling, soft drinks |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Aspergillus fungal sugar fermentation), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1033) |
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