We have covered the importance of lecithin as an industrial material in countless previous blogs of ours. This fat-based substance is a byproduct of the oilseed industry but is also naturally found in the cells of animals. It increases the mixing capabilities of solvents forming a homogeneous product that is durable and free from moulds or mildew.
Like there are multiple sources for its extraction, lecithin varies in states as well. It can be procured in liquid, powdered, and granular forms, Each form has its own significance and different industries have allocated separate uses to each. In this blog, we'll be discussing lecithin powder and granules including their different uses and benefits.
Lecithin Powder
Lecithin powder is created by dehydrating and extracting all the moisture and then pounding and grinding it until it takes its new form. Most manufacturers consider powdered lecithin oil-free because of the dehydration process involved in its standardisation. The powder is also generally colourless and doesn't carry any odour either.
Powdered lecithin is easily dissolvable as compared to granules of lecithin. While producing delicate products, the lecithin powder is vigorously stirred to avoid the formation of any lumps in the mixture and give it an even texture.
Powder also has a lower fat content and low calories making it a preferred ingredient for most pharmaceutical and nutritional products.
Lecithin Granules
Lecithin granules have a semi-powdered consistency since they also have a slight amount of moisture present. Granulated lecithin is made by combining lecithin powder and oil. Just like every lecithin, granules are also used for different industrial processes.
Granulated lecithin usually has a low-calorie count but a relatively higher fat ratio. That is why it is mainly used in low-carb items or instant food products. Its consistency makes it difficult to be an emulsifying agent.
Special machinery is used in industries to break the granules so that they can be easily incorporated into product recipes.
Differences Between Lecithin Powder & Granules
As the two forms are totally different, they also have different nutritional values and properties. Some of the major differences are listed below:
Texture
Granulated lecithin has a rough texture which makes it difficult to dissolve. Whereas powdered lecithin holds a smooth consistency and is easily soluble, making it a better emulsifier.
Calorie Count
As already mentioned, both forms have varying calorie counts making powdered lecithin a healthier option comparatively.
A single spoon of powdered lecithin has 50 calories while the same amount of lecithin granules has 80 calories. While the fat content per spoon is 8 grams for granules and 2.5 grams for powdered lecithin.
Easy to Clean
Powdered lecithin is easy to clean as it can be easily swept off. Whereas lecithin granules are slightly oily and can create a mess if spilt.
Uses of Lecithin Powder & Granules
When looked at separately, each form of lecithin has its own unique usage in the manufacturing of different products, as mentioned below:
Lecithin Granules
Lecithin Granules are more commonly used in the production of packaged ready-to-eat baked food. It is usually added to the dough to condition it.
Besides that, vegan product manufacturers also mix lecithin granules in their products. However, those granules have to be specifically sourced from plants. Plant-based lecithin comes from sunflowers, soy, rapeseed, chickpeas, etc. If you are in the market for plant-based lecithin in any form, connect with LECITEIN, a UK-based global supplier of high-quality lecithin.
Lecithin Powder
Powdered lecithin is one of the most in-demand materials in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries. Because lecithin powder is mostly extracted from natural means like sunflower, soybeans, rice bran, and rapeseeds, it works best for thickening the consistency of edibles like sauces, dressings, and chewing gums.
One of the key uses of powdered lecithin is as a preservative. It improves the stability and lifespan of not only edibles but also beauty products. It’s also known to boost the mixing capabilities of naturally repulsive substances.
Powdered lecithin is an essential ingredient in dietary supplements as well as it has many health benefits including the capability to fight off various antibodies.
In the pharmaceutical industry, powdered lecithin is used for dispersing the essence of capsules easily into the body, generally used in oral capsules and tablets.
Interchangeable Usage
A common query that we receive from most of our clients is whether both forms of lecithins can be used interchangeably. This question usually arises when manufacturers are faced with the shortage or unavailability of a certain form.
The answer to this predicament is quite simple. Using both forms interchangeably can have adverse effects on the final product. Hence, it is better to avoid experimenting with proven product recipes and production methods or the end product can turn out to be unstable.
Benefits of Powder & Granulated Lecithin
The benefits offered by both forms of lecithin are mainly the same. Both help in treating different health issues from organ disorders to the nervous system and skin ailments.
Pharmaceutical
Pharmaceutical manufacturers add lecithin to medicines that help in stabilizing cholesterol. Lecithin also has dispersing abilities that assist in spreading the medicinal components.
Food Processing
Both forms of lecithin cater to food processing for increasing the density and viscosity of mixtures while also helping the mixture with emulsification.
Wrapping Up
If you're looking for a verdict to know which lecithin form is better suited for your business. Well, it all depends on your product. For those in need of better emulsification, powdered form is preferable. Meanwhile, for products needing higher fat content and rough consistency, lecithin granules are the ideal choice.
