When you run across a baking recipe that uses soy lecithin, you might scratch your head. What is soy lecithin, and where can you find it in the grocery store? Typically, you can find this handy ingredient in the vitamin and supplement or baking aisle.
Hi! My name is Michelle, and I’m a fan of soy lecithin. It has tons of health benefits and works wonders in various recipes. That said, I have had my fair share of shopping for this ingredient during my baking days.
Are you on the hunt for soy lecithin? This article will tell you where you can buy soy lecithin for cooking and find it in the grocery store with ease. It will also share what soy lecithin actually is and why you should bake with it asap.
Who’s ready to bake with soy lecithin?
Contents
What is Soy Lecithin, and Why Should I Bake With It?
Soy lecithin is a yellow-brown substance that is extracted from soybean oil. That said, it is a soy-based ingredient that has a slew of potential health benefits. Not only that, but this food additive can work well in numerous cooking and baking recipes because it:
- Emulsifies. Certain recipes, such as salad dressings, contain oil and water. These ingredients don’t mix together. But with the help of soy lecithin, the two ingredients can emulsify or “blend together” when they aren’t technically supposed to.
- Egg replacement. Plenty of people are looking to ditch dairy, and one easy way to do it is by replacing eggs with a soy lecithin “egg”. You can create a DIY egg by mixing 1 ½ tablespoons of soy lecithin with 1 ½ tablespoons of water plus one teaspoon of baking powder.
- Dough conditioner. Want to make your bread infinitely softer? Soy lecithin is a great dough conditioner that will make your bread come out perfect every time.
- Pan release agent. Are you tired of your baked treats sticking to the pan? Adding soy lecithin can help these goodies slide right out of the pan with ease.
- Fat replacer. Not only can soy lecithin replace eggs, but it can replace fats too.
Needless to say, soy lecithin is great for various recipes, whether you’re looking to ditch eggs or just want your cakes and cookies to come out better than ever before. But where can you find this handy ingredient?
Where to Buy Soy Lecithin
Keep in mind that when you’re shopping for soy lecithin, you will likely come across three different types: granules, powder, and liquid soy lecithin. Find the correct type for the recipe you’re using and shop at one of these locations.
- Health food stores. Since soy lecithin is commonly viewed as a healthy ingredient, you’re likely going to find it in health stores such as Vitamin Shoppe or GNC.
- Big box stores. These larger stores, such as Walmart or Target, tend to have everything you’re looking for – and that includes soy lecithin in various types and brands.
- Grocery stores. Some grocery stores will carry soy lecithin, too. You’re more likely to find it at health stores that encourage healthy and organic living, such as Whole Foods.
- Online. When all else fails, look to the internet. Places like Amazon have an impressive collection of soy lecithin products, so you’re sure to find exactly what you need.
Where to Find Soy Lecithin in the Grocery Store
Although soy lecithin might not be a staple in the kitchen like sugar or flour or a buzzword like coconut oil or keto, it doesn’t mean it’s difficult to find. Most stores will carry at least one kind of soy lecithin, whether it’s liquid, powder, or granules. But where can you find it in the store?
Typically, soy lecithin (in any form) will be located in two areas:
- Vitamin and supplement aisle. It comes down to the type of ingredient soy lecithin is – healthy. Soy lecithin can help reduce cholesterol, improve cognitive function, and aid in digestion. You might find it on the vitamin aisle next to meal replacement powders.
- Baking aisle. Some places will have soy lecithin in the baking aisle next to the flour. This is because soy lecithin is becoming increasingly popular in cooking and baking, so it wouldn’t be shocking to find it near other baking ingredients.
FAQs
Now you know why you should use soy lecithin in your recipes and where to find it. But if you’re still curious about soy lecithin, check out these frequently asked questions below.
Can I buy soy lecithin at Walmart?
You will likely find soy lecithin at Walmart. Walmart carries basically everything you could imagine. Check out the vitamin and supplement or baking aisle. If you can’t find it there, Walmart has soy lecithin online for a great price.
How do you get lecithin?
Soybeans aren’t the only place you can get lecithin. So, if you’re looking to add lecithin to your diet to reap the health benefits, consider these foods, too: seafood, red meat, organ meat, eggs, cooked green vegetables (broccoli or Brussels sprouts), or legumes (kidney and black beans).
What can I use instead of soy lecithin?
If your recipe calls for soy lecithin, but you don’t have any (or can’t find any in your local mom and pop shop), then consider using one of these replacements: cocoa butter, egg yolk, sunflower lecithin, potato starch, clear gel instant, almond flour, xanthan gum.
What is the difference between sunflower lecithin and soy lecithin?
Sunflower lecithin is said to be a better option than soy lecithin. Why? Because it has the same health benefits as soy lecithin, but it also does not contain phytoestrogens, has an impressive amount of antioxidants, and improves sleep, the nervous system, and aches and pains.
Final Words
Soy lecithin can be a great addition to plenty of baking recipes as it emulsifies, stabilizes, and improves textures. It can be found in just about any local store in the vitamin and supplement or baking aisle. If you can’t find it in person, just shop online!
Do you use soy lecithin? What’s your favorite recipe using soy lecithin? Share with us!
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