Additives & E-numbers

Is lecithin vegan?

Sometimes vegan — lecithin can be made from plants or from animals, and the label rarely says which. Look for an explicit plant source or a vegan mark.

Sometimes vegan

Is lecithin vegan?

Sometimes vegan

Why

lecithin can be made from plants or from animals, and the label rarely says which. Look for an explicit plant source or a vegan mark.

Commonly hides in

  • dark chocolate
  • bread

What to use instead

soya milkIt does exactly the same job in coffee, cooking and baking, with no change in method.

How to check a label

Ingredient lists are legally required to name allergens such as milk and egg in bold, which catches most hidden animal ingredients. E-numbers and processing aids are the gap: E120, E441, E542, E904 and E920 are animal-derived, and processing aids often go unlisted. When in doubt, look for a certified vegan mark or ask the manufacturer directly — most reply within a few days.

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