isithalal.food

E-number database

Ammonium phosphatides versus lecithin

Chocolate YN (E442) is usually rapeseed phosphatides but can follow animal lecithin. Same source caution as E322.

E-number database

  1. E442 INS 442 Ammonium phosphatides / emulsifier YN (E442) Source-dependent Halal if verified Ammonium phosphatides (YN) are used in chocolate instead of, or with, lecithin. Typical EU supply is rapeseed. plantHalal animalHalal if verified undisclosedHalal if verified
  2. E322 INS 322 Lecithin Source-dependent Halal if verified Lecithin (E322) is almost always from soy, sunflower or rapeseed, and egg lecithin is fine. Only an unnamed source needs a check. plantHalal animalHalal if verified undisclosedHalal if verified

How they differ

Lecithin (E322) and ammonium phosphatides, also called emulsifier YN (E442), help chocolate flow and keep fat and water mixed. Lecithin is on almost every chocolate bar, and in margarine, baking mixes and cooking sprays; YN is a chocolate-specific alternative developed from rapeseed oil.

Lecithin is almost always from soy, sunflower or rapeseed, and egg lecithin is Halal too, so only an unnamed source needs a check. YN is typically rapeseed-based in Europe but can be made from other phosphatides, so it is Halal if verified. In chocolate, the other checks are PGPR (E476) and any alcohol-based flavourings or fillings.

On the label

  • “Emulsifier (soya lecithin)” or “(sunflower lecithin)” names the source and is Halal.
  • “Emulsifier (E442)” or “ammonium phosphatide” is YN.
  • An unnamed “emulsifier (lecithin)” is almost always plant-based, but it is not stated.

Frequently asked questions

Is soy lecithin Halal?

Yes. It is extracted from soybean oil. Sunflower and rapeseed lecithin are Halal for the same reason.

Is E442 Halal?

It is usually made from rapeseed oil, but the label does not say, so it is Halal if verified.