Soy allergy: where it hides in an ingredients list
Soy is the most common "hidden" component in processed foods: it is used as a protein, an emulsifier, and a sauce base.
Names it appears under
- soy protein
- soy protein isolate
- textured vegetable protein
- soy lecithin (E322)
- tofu
- miso
- tempeh
- edamame
- hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Where you expect it
- soy sauce
- tofu
- soy milk
- miso
- edamame
Where you do not
- chocolate — via lecithin
- sausages and processed meats
- bread
- margarine
- infant formula
- bouillon cubes
- dressings and mayonnaise
Frequently asked questions
- Is soy lecithin dangerous for a soy allergy?
- It contains very little protein, and many people tolerate it. This should be discussed with a doctor: sensitivity levels vary for everyone.
- Does soybean oil contain protein?
- Refined oil contains almost none. Unrefined and cold-pressed oils may contain it.
Check the package rather than remember the list. Photograph the barcode and the app reads the ingredients and flags what you marked.
Other allergens: Milk · Egg · Peanut · Tree nuts · Fish · Crustaceans · Mollusks · Gluten · all fourteen
This reference is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor.