Side-by-Side Comparison
Food Additives & E-Numbers
E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) vs. E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer)
E422: Glycerol (Glycerin Humectant & Solvent)
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.
E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin) is a sweet, viscous trihydroxy alcohol (polyol) obtained via lipid hydrolysis. INS 422, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), acting as an essential humectant, moisture retainer, and freeze-point depressant in baked goods and icings.
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
|
— | E422 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 422 |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Humectant, Solvent, Sweetener, Bodying Agent |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | C3H8O3 (Propane-1,2,3-triol) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Strongly hygroscopic triol binds water molecules, lowering water activity (aw) and preventing staling |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Fondant icings, soft-baked cookies, energy bars, cake sponges, liqueur bodying |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | Vegan (When derived from plant fats), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1320) |
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