Soy Allergy: Learn about Hidden Sources of Soy

A soy allergy means that the person cannot tolerate the soy protein and must avoid all possible sources. Many packaged foods contain some form of soy product. In their book “Better Baby Food”, registered dietitians Daina Kalnins and Joanne Saab provide the following table for words that indicate the presence of soy in a food product. If any of these appears on a label, it is best to avoid the food.

Soy Allergy: Avoid These Ingredients

• edamame
• miso
• mono-diglyceride
• natto (Japanese fermented soybeans)
• tofu (soybean curds)
• okara (soy pulp)
• soya, soja, soybean, soyabean
• soy protein (isolate / concentrate)
• tempeh
• TSF (textured soy flour)
• TSP (textured soy protein)
• TVP (textured vegetable protein)*
• yuba (tofu skin)

* Textured vegetable protein can come from different vegetable sources, including soy.

You may also see the words “soy lecithin” on a label. Soy lecithin is a soy fat, not protein, and is often tolerated by those allergic to the soy protein. However, in some circumstances, very sensitive individuals can react to it.

Sofia Layarda, MPH

Alumni: University of California, Berkeley – Sofia believes in bringing back fun and pleasure into everyday eating. She loves cooking, and is constantly experimenting with ingredients, creating recipes and trying them out on family and friends. Her latest interest lies in finding realistic and practical ways of environmentally-friendly food/eating habits.