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Multiple Choice

Which emulsifier is commonly used in emulsified drinks?

Emulsifiers stabilize mixtures where oil droplets are dispersed in water by lowering interfacial tension and forming a protective layer around droplets. Lecithin fits this role in emulsified drinks because it’s an amphiphilic phospholipid found in egg yolk and soy, so it can position itself at the oil–water interface. This keeps fat droplets from coalescing and helps maintain a stable, smooth texture in beverages like coffee creamer and other emulsified drinks. Salt and sugar aren’t emulsifiers; they don’t stabilize oil-in-water mixtures, and water is the continuous phase, not an emulsifier. So lecithin is the common choice.

Emulsifiers stabilize mixtures where oil droplets are dispersed in water by lowering interfacial tension and forming a protective layer around droplets. Lecithin fits this role in emulsified drinks because it’s an amphiphilic phospholipid found in egg yolk and soy, so it can position itself at the oil–water interface. This keeps fat droplets from coalescing and helps maintain a stable, smooth texture in beverages like coffee creamer and other emulsified drinks. Salt and sugar aren’t emulsifiers; they don’t stabilize oil-in-water mixtures, and water is the continuous phase, not an emulsifier. So lecithin is the common choice.