Last Updated on February 12, 2023
Lecithin is not an everyday ingredient bakers use, so it can be tricky to find. You will want to know where to buy lecithin for baking if you ever have a recipe that calls for this peculiar ingredient. Lecithin comes with many uses and can be a handy ingredient to have on hand.
Since lecithin isn’t a common baking ingredient, it can be a bit tricky to find. Fortunately, if you know where to look, you can find it in many grocery stores and online as well. In addition to baking, it has health uses as well.
What is Soy Lecithin and What Do You Use it For?
Lecithin is a substance that comes from soybeans and sometimes other substances such as sunflowers. It most commonly comes in a granule form and is yellow-brown.
In baking, lecithin works as a natural emulsifier and stabilizer. It is a common ingredient in many store-bought and bakery-made cakes and yeast-leavened baked goods. In addition to being a baking additive, some people use it for health benefits as well.
What Does Lecithin Do in Food?
Lecithin works as an emulsifier in foods to blend ingredients that normally won’t mix well together. For example, it is used in salad dressings that use water and oil as a way to blend them.
Lecithin can also work as a vegan replacement for eggs. For every egg, the recipe calls for, combine 1 ½ tablespoons of soy lecithin, 1 ½ tablespoons of water, and one teaspoon of baking powder.
Many bakeries and commercial food brands will use lecithin as a dough conditioner as a way to soften bread and other baked goods. In addition, it can also help baked goods release better from their pans.
When used as instructed, lecithin makes wetting the dry ingredients much easier. In addition, it also increases the volume of the bread when baking, creating larger, more delicious loaves.
Not only does lecithin make mixing ingredients easier, but it also helps prevent separation as well. It helps ingredients such as oil and vinegar mix better and interacts better, allowing your food to have a better consistency and last longer.
In addition to working as an emulsifier, lecithin also works as a natural preservative. It can help stabilize cake batter, resulting in improved cakes. In addition, it can be used as a fat replacer and is an ideal ingredient for eggless baking.
While it is more common in commercial food brands and bakeries, some people do use it in home baking. It is an especially good choice if you are a vegan baker or have an egg allergy, as it can be used in place of eggs, or in addition to them.
Where to Buy Lecithin for Baking
When buying lecithin, you can find it in granule, liquid, or powder forms. The type you will need will vary depending on the recipe you use. Though it may not be a common ingredient, it is available at many stores and online.
If you have a recipe that calls for lecithin, you will want to know where to buy liquid soy lecithin. Fortunately, we have you covered as we have compiled a list of 10 well-known stores that sell lecithin.
#1 Amazon
Amazon is one of the best places to buy lecithin. They sell it in liquid, granule, and powder forms, which allows you to find the exact type you need.
There are dozens of results at different prices, allowing you to find the right option for your needs. In addition, it is convenient if you live somewhere that doesn’t sell lecithin in grocery stores.
Pure Soy Lecithin Powder Vegan OU Kosher Certified – 400g/14oz
#2 Walmart
Fortunately, no matter where you live, you are likely not too far from a Walmart. Walmart sells a variety of lecithin products both in-store and online. In addition, they have some of the best prices you can find for lecithin.
#3 Whole Foods
Whole Foods offers a great selection of food, especially for different types of special diets. You can find lecithin at most Whole Foods for baking and health care purposes.
#4 Wegmans
Wegmans is a popular grocery store chain that has a great selection of products. You can find brands such as Bob’s Red Mill Soy Lecithin Granules in their baking aisle.
#5 Vons
Vons is another popular grocery chain. Though it does vary by store, you will likely be able to find lecithin on the shelves.
#6 Kroger
Kroger is growing to be a favorite grocery store among many shoppers. They sell a variety of different brands of lecithin in granule, liquid, and powder forms.
#7 Safeway
A reliable grocery store chain, Safeway offers a great selection of products. Though products will vary by individual stores, there is a good chance you will find lecithin in stock.
#8 GMC
If you are looking for a dietary supplement of lecithin, GNC is a good place to go. They even have their brand of granule lecithin.
#9 Specialty grocery stores
Many regions and cities will have their own specialty grocery stores. Be sure to check out your local specialty grocery store, as they will likely sell some form of lecithin.
#10 Target
Target is a favorite store among shoppers all over. You can find lecithin online as well as in some select Target stores.
The Best Lecithin Substitute
Even with the stores listed above, lecithin can be tricky to find, especially if you are in a pinch. Fortunately, there are substitutes you can use for soy lecithin.
Sunflower Lecithin
Sunflower lecithin is the closest substitute for soy lecithin. It is available in both powder and liquid options and is a great vegan option. While it can have a stronger flavor, it is a healthy option.
Egg Yolks
Egg yolks work as a binding agent, which makes them a good alternative to lecithin. They are readily available and also have the same texture and properties, making them a good alternative.
Ground Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed is another good option as a substitute for soy lecithin. While they may have a slightly nutty flavor, they can work like lecithin.
Guar Gum
Guar gum is a thickener and stabilizer made from guar beans. It can be a suitable substitute for soy lecithin in many recipes.
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a gluten-free ingredient that works as a thickening and emulsifying agent. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used as a lecithin replacement.
Can You Use Sunflower Lecithin for Baking?
Sunflower lecithin can be used in baking. While soy lecithin is more readily available, many people prefer sunflower lecithin as it is extracted without the use of chemicals and is less of an allergen.
Sunflower lecithin is all-natural and can be used in a variety of different recipes. It is made by dehydrating sunflower seeds and then separating them into three parts.
The three parts are the solid, oil, and gum, and the process is done in a cold press system. The gum part that remains from the sunflowers seeds is lecithin.
In addition to being used as a natural emulsifier in baking, it is also taken as a health supplement. It is said to help reduce cholesterol while also improving brain function. Sunflower lecithin is also used to help with breastfeeding, as it can be a natural remedy for clogged ducts.
What Aisle is Lecithin in? Where to Buy Lecithin for Baking
Though it will vary by the store, lecithin is most commonly found in the baking aisle or supplement/vitamin aisle. You can also look in the aisles that sell meal replacement products.
In the baking aisle, you may be able to find lecithin near the flour. Since it is also used for health purposes, you may also find it in the supplement/vitamin aisle. It will vary by the brand and store you are shopping at.
Shopping For Lecithin: Where to Buy Lecithin for Baking
Whether you go online, to a chain superstore, or a chain grocery store, there are several places you can find lecithin. In addition, you can also often find it at local specialty grocery stores and vitamin/supplement stores as well.
Most of the time, you can find lecithin in the baking aisle or the vitamin/supplement aisle. It is available in powder, granule, and liquid forms and can be used for baking, cooking, and as a supplement. However, what aisle it is in will vary by the form of lecithin and what store you are shopping at.
Did you enjoy this list of where to buy lecithin for baking? If so, please share your thoughts in the comment section below and share this with anyone else that uses lecithin.
FAQs
Where is Lecithin in the Grocery Store?
The most common places to find lecithin in a grocery store is in the baking aisle or vitamin/supplement aisle. In addition, you may also find it where meal replacements are sold.
Where to Buy Liquid Lecithin for Baking?
The easiest place to buy liquid lecithin is online stores such as Amazon. You can also check out chain superstores, grocery stores and even local specialty grocery stores.
What Does Lecithin do in Baking?
Lecithin has a few different purposes in baking. It works as an egg replacement, softens bread and other baked goods, improves crumb structure and enhances tenderness. In addition, lecithin also works as an emulsifier and preservative.
How Can I Get Lecithin Naturally?
Lecithin can be found naturally in many different foods. Such foods include eggs, soybeans, milk, whole grains and peanuts.
