E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) vs. E440: Pectin (Citrus & Apple Jam Gelling Fiber)
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.
E440 (Pectin) is a complex heteropolysaccharide rich in alpha-(1->4)-linked D-galacturonic acid extracted from citrus peels and apple pomace. INS 440, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), the global gold standard gelling agent for jams, jellies, and fruit spreads.
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
|
— | E440 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 440(i) / 440(ii) |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Gelling Agent, Thickener, Stabilizer, Soluble Fiber |
|
Primary Classes
|
— | High Methoxyl Pectin (HM, DE > 50%), Low Methoxyl Pectin (LM, DE < 50%) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | HM forms junction zones with sugar (Brix > 55%) + acid (pH < 3.5); LM gels with calcium ions (Ca2+) |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Fruit jams, marmalades, gummy confectionery, fruit preparations for yogurt, glazes |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Citrus peel/apple extraction), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1588) |