What is Lecithin?
Lecithin is a clean-label emulsifier used in food and beverage applications to blend oil and water. Sourced from soybeans, canola, and sunflower seeds, it supports emulsification, dispersion, and stabilization in a wide range of products.
Popular lecithin-based products include chocolate, bakery goods, sauces, and nutritional supplements. This page covers the different types Gillco offers, how lecithin functions, its application areas, and specific benefits.
Our Lecithin Offerings?
Gillco offers a versatile portfolio of lecithin products to meet a range of technical and regulatory needs:
- Soy Lecithin: Extracted from soybeans, the most cost-effective option
- Sunflower Lecithin: Derived from sunflower seeds, ideal for soy-free formulation
- Canola Lecithin: Sourced from rapeseed, offering neutral flavor and functionality
- Non-GMO Options: Available for all varieties
- Liquid and Powder Forms: Customizable for various processing requirements
- Organic Compliant: Options available for certified organic products
- Kosher Certified
Applications for Lecithin
Lecithin serves a wide range of applications across the food industry thanks to its emulsifying and dispersing capabilities.
Bakery
Lecithin improves dough machinability and extends shelf life in baked goods like breads, cakes, and cookies.
Confectionery
Used in chocolate and candy products, lecithin improves viscosity, mouthfeel, and prevents fat bloom.
Dairy and Cheese
Lecithin aids in homogenization and consistency in processed cheese and reduced-fat dairy spreads.
Meat Products
It helps bind fats and water in emulsified meat systems, enhancing texture and stability.
Dressings, Sauces, and Spreads
Lecithin stabilizes oil-water emulsions and improves pourability and texture in salad dressings and dips.
Nutraceuticals
Common in capsules and functional foods due to its phospholipid content.
Benefits of Lecithin
Lecithin delivers multiple performance and labeling benefits that make it a preferred ingredient in clean-label formulations:
- Functionality: Acts as an emulsifier, dispersant, and stabilizer
- Label Appeal: Derived from sunflower seeds, ideal for soy-free formulation
- Versatility: Suitable for liquid and dry processing environments
- Health Positioning: Supports reduced-fat and soy-free product formulations
- Cost Efficiency: Soy lecithin offers value for large-scale applications
Soy Lecithin
Soy lecithin is the most widely used and cost-effective type of lecithin in the food industry. Derived from soybeans, it offers excellent emulsification properties and is ideal for high-volume commercial applications. It supports consistent texture, ingredient dispersion, and extended shelf life.
This variety is frequently used in bakery, confectionery, snacks, and chocolate bars. Due to its affordability and versatility, it is the go-to option for many manufacturers. Soy lecithin is available in both liquid and powder forms, and non-GMO options are also offered.
Sunflower Lecithin
Sunflower lecithin is a popular alternative to soy-based lecithin, especially for brands looking to remove allergens or avoid GMOs. Extracted from sunflower seeds, it is often used in clean-label formulations and is non-GMO by default in many cases.
It works well in dressings, reduced-fat spreads, meat products, and dairy applications. This variety provides similar functionality to soy lecithin but with a more favorable label perception. Like soy, sunflower lecithin is offered in both liquid and powder formats.
Note: Supply may fluctuate due to raw material sourcing challenges linked to geopolitical events, such as the war in Ukraine.
Canola Lecithin
Canola lecithin, derived from rapeseed, is another alternative for soy-free or allergen-conscious formulations. It offers a neutral flavor profile and performs well as an emulsifier and dispersing agent in diverse applications.
It is commonly used in pasta, processed cheese, sauces, and nutraceuticals. This lecithin type is also available in liquid and powder forms, and can be supplied as organic compliant and kosher certified.
Partner With Gillco for Your Lecithin Needs
Gillco is a trusted supplier of high-quality food ingredients, offering a carefully curated lecithin portfolio to support your formulation needs. Our technical team can assist you in selecting the best lecithin type for your product, whether you're prioritizing cost, allergen concerns, or label claims.
With long-standing relationships with top manufacturers like Cargill and IFF, we ensure quality, consistency, and service.
Contact us to find the best lecithin solution for your product development goals.