E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) vs. E501: Potassium Carbonate (Potash / Alkaline Noodle Salt)
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.
E501 (Potassium Carbonates / K2CO3) is an inorganic alkaline mineral salt. INS 501(i), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), used as the key 'Kansui' alkaline agent in Japanese ramen noodles and in the Dutch processing of cocoa powder.
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
|
— | E501 |
|
INS / Codex Number
|
— | INS 501(i) (Potassium Carbonate) |
|
Functional Class
|
— | Acidity Regulator, Alkaline Leavening, Kansui Salt |
|
Chemical Formula
|
— | K2CO3 |
|
Primary Mechanism
|
— | Alkalinizes noodle dough (pH 9–11), tightening glutenin network and converting flavonoid pigments yellow |
|
Common Target Foods
|
— | Ramen noodles (Kansui), Dutch-process alkalized cocoa powder, gingerbread leavening |
|
Dietary Compliance
|
— | Vegan (Mineral salt), Halal, Kosher |
|
Safety Approval
|
— | EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1619) |