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

E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer) vs. E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)

Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.

Comparing:
E322: Lecithin (Phospholipid Emulsifier & Viscosity Reducer)
E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii)

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 →

E500 (Sodium Carbonates / Sodium Bicarbonate NaHCO3) is a mineral salt leavening agent and pH buffer. INS 500(ii), ADI is Not Limited (Quantum Satis), decomposing under heat and acid to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that expand cakes, cookies, and pretzel crusts.

View full E500: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda / Ins 500ii) spec sheet →

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
E500
INS / Codex Number
INS 500(ii) (Bicarbonate) / 500(i) (Carbonate)
Functional Class
Raising / Leavening Agent, Acidity Regulator, Anti-Caking
Chemical Formula
NaHCO3 (Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate)
Primary Mechanism
Thermal (>50°C) or acid neutralization releases CO2 gas: NaHCO3 + H+ -> Na+ + H2O + CO2
Common Target Foods
Baking powders, cookies, cakes, pretzel alkaline dips, effervescent drink tablets
Dietary Compliance
100% Vegan (Mineral Solvay process/Trona mining), Halal, Kosher
Safety Approval
EFSA Authorized / FDA GRAS (21 CFR 184.1736)

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