The 11 Best Soy Lecithin Substitutes     

The best soy lecithin substitutes are sunflower and egg yolk lecithin because of their nutritional value and compatibility with most recipes. Xanthan gum is great for gluten-free baking, while milk is good for soups and creamy desserts. Honey is also an excellent choice for salad dressings.

In this article, I will discuss the different products you can use as substitutes for liquid and powdered soy lecithin. I will also discuss some benefits attributed to each of these products and provide recommendations on how to use them.

Below are some of the best substitutes for liquid soy lecithin.

1. Egg Yolk 

Egg yolks contain lecithin — a chemical that occurs naturally in the human body. The chemical is a combination of fatty acids needed by the cells in our bodies to function correctly. Lecithin is also a food additive, specifically an emulsifier that stabilizes ingredients and keeps them from separating, particularly water and oil. It also helps in preventing food from sticking together.

Egg yolk is an excellent substitute for liquid soy lecithin in soups, mayonnaise, baked goods, and thickening sauces. Egg yolks aid in providing extra moisture to any mixture, and many prefer eggs because of their high nutritional value. Note that sauces must never be overheated; otherwise, the egg will cook and lose its potency as an emulsifier. 

The key to sauces with great consistency is slowly adding the oil to the egg mixture while whisking briskly to allow the oil to gradually and evenly disperse. Consider using the powdered form if you’re watching your diet since egg yolks are high in fat. The recommended ratio is 1 tbsp soy lecithin: 1 medium-sized egg yolk.

Some nutritional benefits of egg yolks include:

• Effective antioxidant
• High in omega-3 fatty acids
• Contain vitamins A, B12, D, E, and K
• High in folate
• Rich in amino acids, to help prevent heart disease
• Contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which improve eye health
• Excellent source of choline which helps promote brain development, especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding

2. Dairy Products — Cream, Melted Butter, Milk 

Dairy is a great substitute for liquid soy lecithin and is best used in dishes that have a creamy base. Some dairy products also make excellent emulsifiers and help add creaminess and texture. Adding a small amount of dairy to gravies and sauces can help to achieve a smoother consistency.

The recommended ratio is 1 tbsp soy lecithin: 1 tbsp dairy product. 

Some people lean toward using dairy products as emulsifiers for various dishes because they help keep bones strong. This is especially true for growing children and the elderly who are at elevated risk for osteoporosis. 

Some benefits of dairy are:

• High in potassium, magnesium, zinc, and protein
• Rich in calcium and vitamin D, which help to build and maintain bone strength

3. Mustard 

Have you ever wondered why most salad dressings contain a little mustard? Aside from adding tang and sharpness, mustard contains mucilage, a potent emulsifier that absorbs and helps hold the ingredients together. This improves the dressing’s consistency, thickness, and stability. It is an excellent alternative to liquid soy lecithin. 

The recommended ratio is 1 tbsp soy lecithin: ¼ tbsp mustard lecithin. 

Salad dressings usually contain oil and vinegar — 2 components that don’t ordinarily mix. Adding a teaspoon or 2 of mustard ensures that the mixture will bind.

Nutritional benefits of mustard include:

• High in protein, vitamin C, and vitamin B complex
• Excellent source of antioxidants
• Helps relieve respiratory issues
• Rich in magnesium, promoting a healthy metabolism
• Rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which provide cardiovascular protection by reducing LDL (bad cholesterol) while increasing HDL (good cholesterol)

4. Sunflower Lecithin 

Sunflower lecithin is a raw lecithin extracted using a cold-press procedure that doesn’t involve harmful chemical solvents. It is one of the healthier options for liquid soy lecithin substitutes. Additionally, it is a popular choice because of its compatibility with most recipes. 

This is the preferred additive when making vegan butter since it functions excellently in keeping water and oil from separating. Many people also prefer sunflower lecithin because of its nutritional value and impressive safety profile. 

The recommended ratio is 1 tbsp soy lecithin: 1 tbsp sunflower lecithin.

Benefits of sunflower lecithin include:

• Contains no allergens
• Rich in polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats that protect against elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular disease
• Excellent source of zinc and selenium, which help boost immunity
• High in protein which helps improve energy

Best Substitutes for Soy Lecithin Powder

We will now explore the best substitutes for lecithin powder.

5. Guar Gum 

Guar gum, a product extracted from legumes (also called guar beans), is another healthy, vegan binding and thickening agent. It is a favorite choice for fans of gluten-free baking and is also popular in ice cream, popsicles, smoothies, and other cold dishes. 

Like many other soy lecithin powder substitutes, guar gum can be found in various types of food, such as sauces, soups, cheeses, and cereals. However, unlike other options, it is highly versatile, as it is also used in paper goods, textiles, medicines, and cosmetics. The recommended ratio is 1 tbsp soy lecithin:1 tbsp guar gum.

Nutritional benefits of guar gum include:

• High in fiber – lowers cholesterol levels and aids in lowering blood sugar levels
• Acts as a prebiotic, thus promoting digestive health

6. Xanthan Gum 

A handy alternative to soy lecithin powder, xanthan gum is a gluten-free option made from ground corn sugar that has been fermented and dried. This is another vegan option that is both healthy and organic. Xanthan gum is used in many recipes, especially in baking and dessert-making.

Aside from finding it in syrups, ice creams, and fruit juices, you may also find xanthan gum as an ingredient in some laxatives, toothpaste brands, and medicines. It is among the top choices in baking since it helps create a softer texture. 

The recommended ratio is 1 tbsp soy lecithin: 1 tbsp xanthan gum.

Xanthan gum benefits include:

• Helps lower and stabilize blood sugar levels
• Acts as a laxative and helps promote digestive health

7. Cocoa Butter 

Cocoa butter contains more lecithin than soy lecithin and even more fat.  It is popularly used as a thickener, especially in baking, yet it may alter the taste of food. Opt for deodorized cocoa butter when replacing your soy lecithin powder to preserve the recipe’s original flavor.

This product is the apparent alternative when creating chocolate-flavored desserts since it is a stable emulsifier and thickening agent. To create a richer, creamier consistency, melt some cocoa butter in a double boiler before mixing in your chocolate. 

The recommended ratio is 1 tbsp soy lecithin: 1 tbsp cocoa butter.

Nutritional benefits of cocoa butter:

• Good source of vitamin E resulting in better vision and improved brain health
• High in fatty acids, thus improves skin elasticity
• High in antioxidants which help prevent premature aging
• Contains plant polyphenols, helping to reduce inflammation and boost immunity
• Rich in plant-derived saturated fats that help promote cardiovascular health

8. Honey 

Strictly speaking, honey isn’t an emulsifier but is frequently used to help stabilize and thicken mixtures like sauces, salad dressings, and gravies. Furthermore, using honey when cooking or baking will lend a touch of sweetness to your dish, making it a convenient, effective, and tasty option.

The recommendation is to start with ½ teaspoon when substituting honey for soy lecithin. Depending on how sweet and thick you would like the mixture, you may work your way up. However, note that honey affects the final taste of your dish. 

Honey benefits include:

• Rich in antioxidants that protect your body from cardiovascular diseases
• Has anti-anxiety benefits
• Helps soothe gastrointestinal problems

9. Agar-agar 

Agar-agar is popularly used as a substitute for gelatin, but thanks to its emulsifying, stabilizing, and thickening properties, it also works as an alternative to soy lecithin powder. Extracted from a type of red algae, it is an organic, healthy choice favored by vegans and calorie-watchers.

The recommended ratio is 1 tbsp Soy lecithin: 1 tbsp agar-agar. 

Agar-agar has strong gelling properties, so you may want to avoid using it for soups and salad dressings since this might make the mixture too thick. 

Agar-agar Benefits:

• Gelling properties stimulate the intestines and promote better digestive health
• Has laxative properties
• High in calcium, iron, and folate
• High in fiber, thus aids in weight loss

10. Ground Flaxseed 

Ground flaxseed is the go-to option for certain types of soups and sauces. People also prefer using it when making smoothies since it works well as a binding agent and adds a nutty flavor to the drink. It is organic, nutritious, tasty, and very simple to use. 

Some people simply drizzle a handful of flaxseeds on their soups or drinks. Others recommend combining ground flaxseed with warm water and letting it sit for a couple of minutes till the mixture thickens, then adding it to their soup or drink. 

The recommended ratio is 1 tbsp soy lecithin: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed. 

Ground flaxseed benefits:

• High in omega-3 fatty acids
• High in dietary fibers

11. Cornstarch 

Cornstarch is a staple kitchen ingredient used in cooking and baking. A tried and tested option for thickening sauces, soups, cookies, and cakes, cornstarch is easy to use, inexpensive, and will not alter the taste of your dishes. 

Some people drizzle cornstarch over their mixtures while gently whisking to incorporate all the ingredients well. Others prefer making a slurry by whisking together some cornstarch and warm water, then whisking this into their stew/sauce until they attain the desired consistency. 

The recommended ratio is 1 tbsp soy lecithin: 1 tbsp cornstarch. 

Cornstarch benefits include:

• High in carbohydrates which give you a quick energy boost
• Gluten-free

For more, don’t miss The Best Substitutes for Milk in a Recipe | Ultimate Guide.