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.
- How do I check whether a product contains soy?
- Photograph the barcode or the ingredients panel — the app reads the list and warns you if it finds anything you have flagged. Three checks are free, with no account.
- How do I avoid ordering a dish with soy in a restaurant?
- Photograph the menu — the app reads the items and marks the ones whose name suggests an allergen you flagged. A menu carries no ingredients list, so the check is approximate: hidden ingredients are visible only in the kitchen.
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.