Soy Lecithin Powder vs. Liquid: Which is the Best to Use?

Lecithin is a substance found in animals and food varieties. It mainly acts as a supplement in recipes or can make cosmetics. Lecithin contains phospholipids, which are chemicals that bind cells together. Soy lecithin is entirely derived from soybeans and mainly exists as a liquid, powder, or granulated lecithin. Soy Lecithin has many nutritional components like Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and K, and choline. People often choose which form of lecithin is suitable based on their needs. This article discusses soy lecithin powder and liquid and helps you determine the best between the two. 

Soy Powder Lecithin

Powdered lecithin has all its oil and moisture extracted and then grounded to powder. Powdered lecithin is also called oil-free lecithin since all-natural soybean oil is extracted.

You are required to dissolve them before you use them in baking or cooking. Powder lecithin dissolves easier and faster.

Thus, when using powdered lecithin, you should be extra careful because it will not form a pleasant texture if it does not dissolve completely.

Soy lecithin is water-soluble in powdered form and helps water and fat stay together. Therefore, it is best for baking, cooking, and making powdered foods and drinks.

Soy Liquid Lecithin

This form of lecithin is usually a brown or yellowish color. It looks like motor oil in a clear glass, but the consistency is much different. This form of lecithin also has very little taste and no odor.

The liquid lecithin is somehow difficult to clean up if you spill any. It is so runny like honey, but it messes more than honey. Moreover, it sticks to surfaces, which makes them difficult to clean.

Liquid lecithin doesn’t need to be dissolved like the powdered one. However, one thing regarding using this form of lecithin is the color of the finished product. However, this is not a big problem as you only need to use small amounts.

Liquid soy lecithin is primarily helpful in producing margarine, cheese, chocolates, and salad dressing. As an additional bonus, it helps reduce the cholesterol levels in these products. 

Powder vs. Liquid Lecithin

The two types of lecithin that you will find on the market in terms of consistency are liquid and powder lecithin. You can buy any of them to use when cooking or baking your edibles, but which is the best?

Though it depends on personal choice, most people prefer using powdered lecithin due to its low-fat content compared to liquid lecithin. Soy liquid lecithin contains about 20 to 30 percent fat, whereas the powder lecithin has 10 percent fat. Powder soy lecithin is also best because of its easy use in dry blends like nutritional supplement powders and baking mixes.

The fat level is what most health-conscious people will consider when choosing which to use. For these people, it is an attractive option. On the other hand, those concerned about the quality of their preparations will always go for powder lecithin.

On a non-health-related point, many people use the powder lecithin since it is much easier to clean. However, liquid lecithin sticks to surfaces, making them hard to clean.

Additionally, powdered lecithin doesn’t have any color like liquid lecithin. It is low on calories (50 calories for one tablespoon).

You always have spillages and tumbles from your ingredients when cooking or baking. The powder form is always easier to mop up.

That’s why most people choose powdered lecithin for households due to its more convenient cleanup compared to other forms of lecithin.

However, both powder and liquid lecithin have health benefits, just like with any other form of lecithin.

The only variance here is that if you need some health benefits of fat, powdered lecithin might not give it to you.

Common Uses of Soy Liquid and Powder Lecithin

The following are common uses of both liquid and powdered soy lecithin:

Many people choose to use soy lecithin to supplement their milkshake or smoothie. Commercial soy lecithin is processed to avoid the parts that have estrogen-like effects. This makes it a popular choice for those advised against taking soy due to its impact on hormones.

Food Additive

Lecithin is a relatively commonly used additive in food – you’ll find it generally as an emulsifier. So you can expect it in everything from salad dressing to tea bags. There are three main lecithin forms: powder, liquid, and granulated lecithin.

Cannabis Edibles

Soy lecithin is one of the ingredients that is extensively used to manufacture cannabis edibles. The binding properties of soy lecithin help THC and cannabis oil spread throughout the product better. This increases dosage accuracy and also makes the finished edibles potent.

In the body, soy lecithin spreads the cannabinoids evenly because of the proper distribution of THC. This means that the THC is easier to absorb, which is more beneficial for your body.

Skin Care Products

Some skin care products contain lecithin. It’s an emollient that restores skin moisture. Most of these goods utilize hydrogenated lecithin.

There’s no proof that lecithin alone helps treat acne or eczema, but some individuals do use it for that. In addition, taking lecithin capsules may potentially enhance skin since it tones and stimulates other body components. However, this is still under study.

Source Your Lecithin From a Reputable Supplier

While soy lecithin is naturally extracted from soybeans, some manufacturers use harsh chemical solvents during their processes. Soy lecithin should be healthy and the most beneficial without using any chemicals. This does not only give the products an attractive, uniform consistency. It also increases flavor, shelf life, and many more.

Lecithin manufacturers are rapidly increasing all over. Unfortunately, this makes it hard to find a trustworthy lecithin manufacturer. However, a little research can land you a reputable soy lecithin supplier. Remember, a good lecithin supplier cares about the quality and health benefits of the product for its customers. Therefore, anyone who sells cheap, high quantity, and low-grade lecithin should be avoided.

Bottom Line

Powder lecithin is better than liquid lecithin due to its low fat and ability to work well with dry mixes such as baking mixes. Either way, choose your lecithin wisely depending on what product you’re making. The form that gives you the most convenience is the best in your particular situation.