E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) vs. E412: Guar Gum (Cold-Soluble Galactomannan)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
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.
E412 (Guar Gum) is a natural galactomannan hydrocolloid extracted from guar beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). INS 412, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), boasting 8x the thickening power of cornstarch and hydrating completely in cold water.
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
|
— | E412 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 412 |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Thickener, Emulsion Stabilizer, Dietary Fiber |
|
Mannose to Galactose Ratio
|
— | 2 : 1 (High galactose substitution enables instant cold water solubility) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Entangles water molecules via extensive hydrogen bonding, producing high viscosity at low shear |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Gluten-free baked goods, salad dressings, ice creams, sauces, instant soup powders |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Guar bean seed endosperm), Halal, Kosher, Non-GMO |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1339) |