The versatility of plant-based lecithin makes it an emulsifier, stabiliser, and thickener that helps to improve the texture, shelf life, and nutritional value of food products.
With so many different plant-based lecithin available in the European market, it can be challenging to find the one that is right for your product.
In this article, we not only discuss the different types of plant-based lecithin that you can get but also teach you how to choose the right one for your needs, based on their various applications.
Plant-based lecithin is extracted from various sources like sunflower seeds, soybeans, canola, Safflower and rice to name a few. Let’s explore a few of them individually:
Soy lecithin is a byproduct of the soybean oil extraction process. It is the most widely used lecithin due to its low cost and availability. It is a good choice for food and beverage manufacturers who seek a versatile and affordable ingredient.
Extracted from sunflower seeds, sunflower lecithin is very commonly used by food and beverage manufacturers who need a non-GMO and allergen-free ingredient. It’s especially popular among manufacturers who produce vegan or vegetarian products.
Canola lecithin is extracted from canola seeds and shares similar chemical properties as well as applications of soy lecithin.
Like every other plant-based lecithin, safflower lecithin is from the seed of its source, i.e., safflower seeds. It has a higher melting point compared to other types of plant-based lecithin, making it a good choice for use in chocolate and other confectionery products.
Rice lecithin is extracted from rice bran. It is an ideal choice for food and beverage manufacturers who produce gluten-free products.
The reason that plant-based lecithin is so popular in the food and beverage manufacturing industry is its countless benefits, including:
In addition to these benefits, plant-based lecithin is also preferred for consumption by customers interested in vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and allergen-free products.
Plant-based lecithin is suitable to be used in a wide variety of food and beverage products. Some of its most common uses in the F&B industry are in:
It is used in the manufacturing of chocolates, ice creams, and other confectionery products to improve the texture and shelf life.
It increases the volume, texture, and crumb structure in bread, cakes, and other bakery products.
Plant-based is also a mainstay ingredient in multiple beverages like vegan milk, juices, and fizzy drinks to improve their stability and mouthfeel.
Plant-based lecithin is also added to sauces and dressings to improve emulsification in their ingredients and prevent separation.
Nutritional supplements also contain plant-based lecithin as it helps to improve the bioavailability of the active ingredients.
When choosing plant-based lecithin for your product, consider the following factors:
Plant-based lecithin that is right for you is strictly dependent on the product you are manufacturing. Plant-based lecithin is usually considered for vegan products. But, it can also replace egg yolk in bakery products. If you are on a budget, soy lecithin is a good choice. If you are looking for a non-GMO and allergen-free ingredient, sunflower lecithin is a good choice.
The form of the plant-based lecithin is, again, dependent on the product you are manufacturing. While it is available in liquid, powder, and granular forms, your recipe and processes won’t allow you to use lecithin forms interchangeably.
Choose a plant-based lecithin product that is high in purity. This will ensure that you are getting a high-quality ingredient.
Always source your plant-based lecithin from a reputable supplier. This will help to ensure that the product is safe and sustainable.
LECITEIN is a leading supplier of plant-based lecithin in the European market, with a focus set on catering to the needs of the food and beverage industry. We offer a wide range of plant-based lecithin products, including soy lecithin, sunflower lecithin, and rapeseed lecithin. If you need custom formulations, we also have you covered on that front.
We are committed to providing you with the highest quality of plant-based lecithin no matter where your factory is located in the world. And, we use state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to ensure that our products are safe, reliable, and top-quality.
Plant-based lecithin is a versatile and sustainable ingredient that can be used in a wide range of food and beverage products. When choosing a plant-based lecithin product, it is important to consider its type, form, purity level, source and the product you manufacture.
LECITEIN is a leading supplier of plant-based lecithin to the food and beverage industry. We offer a wide range of plant-based lecithin including sunflower lecithin and soy lecithin.
If you are in the market for a high-quality product, we are the people to connect with.
F&B manufacturers are increasingly turning to plant-based lecithin to offer a unique blend of sustainability and health benefits. Discover how it can revolutionize your supply chain and enhance your products.
The multifaceted applications of plant-based lecithin in the food and beverage industry, enhance product quality, extend shelf life, and promote sustainability.
Since sunflower lecithin is extracted from renewable resources like the sunflower seeds, it doesn’t impact the environment making it a sustainable choice for food and beverage manufacturers