Spray-dried egg yolk in heat-stable pellet form. Lecithin content from the yolk phospholipid fraction delivers O/W emulsification capacity that no plant-based emulsifier fully replicates. From 1 kg, CoA per batch, DSV delivery EU-27.

Egg yolk powder is the most nutritionally dense form in which egg can be delivered as a food ingredient. The yolk fraction contains three distinct protein–lipid complexes that do not exist elsewhere in the food ingredient world: livetin (water-soluble plasma proteins ~35% of yolk protein), phosvitin (the most phosphorylated protein in food, excellent metal chelation) and lipovitellin (lipid-bound protein responsible for the unique textural and emulsification behaviour of yolk).
The fat fraction (~36% ds) consists of approximately 66% triglycerides, 28–30% phospholipids (of which phosphatidylcholine — lecithin — represents ~73%), and 4% cholesterol. This phospholipid fraction is the functional core of egg yolk's emulsification capacity: at a natural HLB value of approximately 7–8, egg yolk lecithin is optimised for oil-in-water emulsions of the type found in mayonnaise, hollandaise, custard and pasta dough.
The carotenoid fraction — lutein and zeaxanthin from the diet of laying hens — contributes the characteristic golden-yellow colour and nutritional value. These xanthophyll carotenoids are fat-soluble and survive the spray-drying process in the heat-stable pellet form, making egg yolk powder a concentrated natural source of lutein (approximately 180–250 μg per 100 g product) relevant to macular health positioning in functional food applications.
Choline content (~820 mg per 100 g yolk dry matter) makes egg yolk powder the richest practical dietary source of choline — a nutrient classified as essential by EFSA, with an adequate intake of 400 mg/day for adults. This is relevant for functional food positioning in sports nutrition, cognitive health and pregnancy nutrition products.
| Protein (dry basis) | ≥ 45% |
| Fat (dry basis) | ≥ 36% |
| Phospholipids (lecithin) | ~10–12% of product weight |
| Cholesterol | ~3–4% of product weight |
| Moisture | ≤ 5% |
| Ash | ≤ 4% |
| pH (10% sol.) | 7.0 – 8.0 |
| Form | Heat-stable pellet |
| Colour | Yellow to golden-tan |
| Odour | Characteristic egg yolk |
| TPC | ≤ 10,000 cfu/g |
| Coliforms | ≤ 10 cfu/g |
| Salmonella | Absent / 25 g |
| Listeria monocytogenes | Absent / 25 g |
| Allergen | EGG — declared |
| Substitute ratio | 35–40 g + 35 ml water = 1 egg |
| Packaging | 1 kg · carton / bulk bag |
| Storage | Cool, dry, <25°C · 24 months |
| Compliance | EU Reg. 853/2004 |
The term 'lecithin' is used commercially to describe crude phospholipid fractions from plant oils (soy, sunflower) and eggs. These are not equivalent ingredients. The differences in phospholipid class distribution, fatty acid profile and protein association determine emulsification performance, heat stability and label positioning.
Egg yolk lecithin is predominantly phosphatidylcholine (PC, ~73%) with significant proportions of phosphatidylethanolamine (~15%) and sphingomyelin (~3%). Soy lecithin contains ~33% PC, ~21% PE and significant phosphatidylinositol (~19%) — an emulsifier with different geometry and HLB characteristics. The higher PC content in egg lecithin produces smaller, more stable emulsion droplets in O/W systems and better heat stability at processing temperatures above 70°C.
Critically, egg yolk lecithin is delivered in a protein-bound complex — not as a crude oil extract. The lipovitellin–lecithin interaction produces a more ordered emulsifier film at the oil–water interface than free phospholipid, resulting in emulsions that are more resistant to flocculation and coalescence under processing conditions (high shear, heat, freeze-thaw cycles).
The HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) value of egg yolk lecithin is approximately 7–8, optimised for O/W emulsions — which is precisely the emulsion type in mayonnaise, dressings, custard, hollandaise and emulsified meat products. Soy lecithin has a slightly higher HLB (~8–10), which reduces its effectiveness as an O/W emulsifier in high-fat systems.
| Property | Egg Yolk Lecithin | Soy Lecithin | Sunflower Lecithin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phosphatidylcholine (PC) | ~73% of PL | ~33% of PL | ~28% of PL |
| HLB value | ~7–8 (O/W optimised) | ~8–10 | ~8–9 |
| Protein association | Yes — protein-bound complex | No | No |
| Emulsion type | O/W, W/O, complex | O/W–W/O | O/W |
| Heat stability (>70°C) | High | Medium | Medium |
| Freeze-thaw stability | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Colour contribution | Yellow (carotenoids) | Brown (crude) / none (de-oiled) | Cream/neutral |
| Clean label | Yes — 'egg yolk' | Yes — 'soy lecithin' | Yes — 'sunflower lecithin' |
| Allergen | EGG | SOY | None (major) |
| Typical dosage | 5–10% (yolk powder) | 0.2–0.5% (lecithin) | 0.2–0.5% (lecithin) |
| Min. order (FDCM) | 1 kg | 25 kg | 25 kg |
Egg yolk powder is one of the most nutrient-dense food ingredients. These three nutrient categories are relevant for functional food positioning beyond industrial emulsification.
Choline is essential for phospholipid synthesis, neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) production and methyl group metabolism. EFSA adequate intake: 400 mg/day adults, 480 mg during pregnancy. Egg yolk powder is the most concentrated practical food source. Relevant for cognitive health, prenatal nutrition and sports recovery formulations.
Xanthophyll carotenoids that accumulate in the macular pigment of the human retina. EFSA has authorised a health claim: 'Lutein contributes to the protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage' under Reg. 432/2012. Egg yolk powder is a natural, label-friendly source for eye health and sports vision products.
Egg yolk is one of the few natural food sources delivering vitamins A, D, E and K2 (menaquinone) in a single ingredient matrix. Vitamin D content varies with hen husbandry; enriched egg yolk products may contain 2–3× standard levels. Relevant for multivitamin food fortification where a natural source claim is required.
Every application below requires the fat–lecithin–protein complex specific to egg yolk. Substituting with egg albumen or a plant-based protein produces a categorically different result in the final product.
Egg yolk is the irreplaceable emulsifier in classical mayonnaise — lecithin stabilises the oil-in-water emulsion at 70–80% oil content. At 5–8% egg yolk powder in the formula, industrial mayonnaise achieves long-term emulsion stability through high-shear processing. No plant-based emulsifier produces equivalent stability at equivalent dosage in high-fat O/W systems.
The thermal denaturation of lipovitellin at 70–85°C produces the characteristic thickening of custard. Egg yolk powder at 8–15% of dry mix delivers the same thickening and richness as fresh egg yolks without refrigeration or shelf life constraints. Critical for industrial custard powder, instant custard mix and crème brûlée sachets.
Egg yolk contribution to pasta is two-fold: (1) carotenoids deliver the characteristic golden colour that consumers associate with premium egg pasta; (2) the lipid–protein complex improves dough plasticity and reduces brittleness on drying. Standard dosage: 15–25 g egg yolk powder per 100 g semolina — equivalent to 2–3 fresh egg yolks.
Egg yolk powder provides emulsification and fat-phase structuring in premium ice cream. The lecithin fraction interacts with the fat globule membrane, reducing droplet size and improving overrun stability. Standard dosage 1–3% in the mix. The heat-stable pellet form survives the pasteurisation step in ice cream mix production (72°C / 15 s) without functionality loss.
In enriched doughs, egg yolk contributes fat (plasticising effect on gluten), emulsifiers (lecithin interacts with starch and gluten), colour (carotenoids in crumb) and Maillard precursors for crust browning. The pellet form allows dry blending with flour and is activated on dough hydration, eliminating the need to handle fresh yolks in production.
Egg yolk lecithin is used in high-end cosmetic emulsions (creams, serums, hair conditioners) as a skin-compatible O/W emulsifier. At 0.5–3% in the water phase, it produces fine, stable emulsions without synthetic emulsifiers. Relevant for natural, clean-label cosmetic formulations where egg-derived lecithin is preferred over synthetic alternatives.
Reference dosages for egg yolk powder in standard food applications. Adjustments needed based on formula matrix, processing conditions and target texture/flavour profile.
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FDCM supplies sauce manufacturers, bakeries, pasta producers, ice cream manufacturers and functional food brands across the EU. No annual commitment, full documentation.
Order from a single kilogram — no framework contract, no annual minimum. Scale from laboratory sample to full production.
CoA per batch — protein, fat, moisture, ash, pH, Salmonella, Listeria. Allergen declaration (EGG), EU Reg. 853/2004 compliance. At no charge.
DSV road freight to all 27 EU member states. Standard 3–7 business days transit. Full shipment tracking.
Salmonella absent/25g confirmed per CoA. Pellet form survives pasteurisation steps up to 85°C without functionality loss.
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DSV road freight · 3–7 business days
All 27 EU member states
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Heat-stable egg yolk powder from 1 kg on FDCM.eu — live pricing, CoA documentation and online ordering. No framework contract required.