INS 322 is lecithin, a family of phospholipids that act as emulsifiers and help oil and water mix. It is one of the oldest and most-used emulsifiers in chocolate, margarine, and bakery. Veg status depends on the source the manufacturer uses and is permitted by FSSAI for specified food categories.
INS 322 is lecithin, a family of phospholipids that act as emulsifiers and help oil and water mix. It is one of the oldest and most-used emulsifiers in chocolate, margarine, and bakery.
Brands use it because a tiny amount keeps chocolate smooth and stops the cocoa butter from separating, helps margarine and spreads stay creamy, and improves mixing in instant powders. It also lets brands cut other emulsifiers because it is so effective at low doses.
INS 322 commonly shows up on Indian packets in these categories:
Lecithin can be plant-based (soybean, sunflower, rapeseed) or animal-based (egg yolk lecithin). On Indian packs the source is typically soy or sunflower (vegan) but the label rarely names the source. The Indian veg/non-veg dot logo is the practical signal: a green dot means the brand has declared a non-animal source. If the dot is missing or the pack lists 'egg lecithin', treat it as non-vegan.
FSSAI: Permitted by FSSAI as an emulsifier under Schedule I of the FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for specified food categories with category-specific limits.
JECFA: ADI 'not specified' established at the 17th JECFA (1973), the modern equivalent meaning JECFA considers normal dietary intake unproblematic.
On packets, in recipes, and in conversation, INS 322 is also called:
Last verified: 2026-04-29.