# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Food Additives & E-Numbers

E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) vs. E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer)
E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener)

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.

View full E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) spec sheet →

E471 is an authorized food emulsifier composed of glycerol esterified with one or two fatty acid chains (glycerol monostearate / monooleate). INS 471, ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), globally recognized as the ultimate crumb softener and amylose complexing agent in bakery.

View full E471: Mono- & Diglycerides of Fatty Acids (Bread Softener) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

13 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB)
HLB 4.0–6.0 (Standard unbleached) / HLB 8.0–10.0 (Enzymatically modified lyso-lecithin) 3.5 – 4.5 (Lipophilic water-in-oil emulsifier)
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
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
E471
INS / Codex Number
INS 471
Functional Class
Emulsifier, Anti-Staling Agent, Crumb Softener, Defoamer
Primary Mechanism
Fatty acid chain complexes into helical starch amylose cavity, preventing retrogradation staling
Common Target Foods
Sliced sandwich bread, margarines, ice creams, peanut butter (Prevents oil separation), cake mixes
Dietary Compliance
Vegan (When derived from palm/sunflower oil; animal fat variants must be labeled)
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1505)

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