E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) vs. E460: Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC / Dietary Bulking)
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.
E460 (Microcrystalline Cellulose / MCC) is purified, depolymerized wood pulp cellulose prepared by acid hydrolysis. INS 460(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), functioning as a zero-calorie bulking agent, anti-caking agent, and fat mimetic in low-calorie foods.
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
|
— | E460 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 460(i) |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Bulking Agent, Anti-Caking Agent, Stabilizer, Fat Replacer |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | (C6H10O5)n (Insoluble linear beta-1,4-glucan polymer) |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Crystalline cellulose micro-particles mimic creamy lipid mouthfeel without calories; prevents powder agglomeration |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Shredded cheeses (Prevents clumping), low-fat dressings, dietary supplement tablets, diet foods |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | 100% Vegan (Plant wood pulp), Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1323) |