Soy

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How to Read a Label for a Soy-Free Diet

All FDA-regulated manufactured food products that contain soy as an ingredient are required by U.S. law to list the word “soy” on the product label.

Avoid foods that contain soy or any of these ingredients:

  • edamame
  • miso
  • natto
  • shoyu
  • soy (soy albumin, soy cheese, soy fiber, soy flour, soy grits, soy ice cream, soy milk, soy nuts, soy sprouts, soy yogurt)
  • soya
  • soybean (curd, granules)
  • soy protein (concentrate, hydrolyzed, isolate)
  • soy sauce
  • tamari
  • tempeh
  • textured vegetable protein
  • tofu

Soy is sometimes found in the following:

  • Asian cuisine
  • vegetable broth
  • vegetable gum
  • vegetable starch

Keep the following in mind:

  • The FDA exempts highly refined soybean oil from being labeled as an allergen. Studies show most allergic individuals can safely eat soy oil that has been highly refined (not cold pressed, expeller pressed, or extruded soybean oil).
  • Most individuals allergic to soy can safely eat soy lecithin.
  • Follow your doctor’s advice regarding these ingredients.