Lecithin: These foods contain lecithin (E322)

Lecithin is used as an emulsifier in food, meaning it helps mix water and fat. The substance occurs naturally in eggs, soya, sunflower seeds and rapeseed, but is most often produced industrially for use in the food industry.

Industrial lecithin is usually extracted from soya, sunflower or rapeseed oil. The most common are sunflower lecithin and soy lecithin. It is added to products such as chocolate, margarine, baked goods, ice cream, dressings and drinks to provide a uniform consistency and prevent fat and liquid from separating.

Lecithin makes food ultra-processed because it is added to improve structure and shelf life, rather than to provide nutritional value.