Names to look for on labels
- egg yolk lecithin
What to do
No action needed for this additive. Check the rest of the ingredient list, and remember that meat products still need proper halal slaughter.
More about egg lecithin
Lecithin is an emulsifier that helps oil and water mix. The egg version comes from egg yolk. It turns up in mayonnaise, chocolate, baked goods, ice cream and some cosmetics.
Lecithin on a UK label can come from egg, soya or sunflower. When it comes from egg, the label has to show egg as an allergen. If a label only says lecithin or E322, the source is not stated.
Soya lecithin and sunflower lecithin do the same job and are plant-based, so a product that avoids egg will usually use one of those instead. Lecithin is used in small amounts, to help ingredients blend smoothly.
Is egg lecithin vegetarian or vegan?
Egg lecithin is vegetarian but not vegan, because it is made from eggs.
Why we classify it this way
Halal Lecithin from egg yolk, a permitted animal product.
Basis: No concern found. Made from plants, minerals, fermentation or synthesis, or from a permitted animal product. Nothing in normal production raises a pork, alcohol, insect or slaughter question.
No external reference is listed for this record yet.
Classification audited 3 November 2026. It has not been reviewed by a scholar. How classifications work · Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
Is egg lecithin halal?
Egg lecithin is halal. Lecithin from egg yolk, a permitted animal product.
Where does egg lecithin come from?
Egg yolk.
Is egg lecithin vegetarian or vegan?
Egg lecithin is vegetarian but not vegan, because it is made from eggs.