A large pile of soybeans.

Soy Nutrition

Soybeans are an excellent source of high-quality protein. Around 38% of the calories from soybeans come from protein, higher than any other legume. In addition to protein, soybeans are low in saturated fats and high in iron and fiber. Soybean oil is one of the few non-fish sources of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

An infographic titled 'Soy for Every Body' highlighting health benefits of soy, including brain, heart, cancer prevention, muscle, bone, blood pressure, and skin health, with illustrations of a man and woman demonstrating the benefits.
impact of soy on your health

Traditional Soy Foods & Ingredients

  • Edamame

    Edamame is a soybean that is harvested when the plant is still green. These sweet tasting beans can be served as a snack or a main dish after boiling.

  • Natto

    Natto is made of fermented, whole soybeans. Natto traditionally is served as a topping for rice, in miso soups, and is used with vegetables.

  • Miso

    Miso is a rich, salty condiment that characterizes the essence of Japanese cooking. This smooth paste is used to add flavor to a variety of foods.

  • Tofu

    Tofu, also known as soybean curd, is a soft, cheese-like food that easily absorbs the flavors of other ingredients with which it is cooked. Tofu is rich in both high-quality protein and B vitamins and is low in sodium.

  • Soy Milk

    When soybeans are soaked, ground, and strained they produce a fluid called soybean milk. Plain, unfortified soymilk is an excellent source of high-quality protein and B vitamins.

  • Soy Sauce

    Soy sauce is a dark-brown liquid made from soybeans that has undergone a fermenting process.

  • Soynuts

    Roasted soynuts are whole soybeans that have been soaked in water and then baked until browned. Soynuts can be found in a variety of flavors, including chocolate covered.

  • Tempeh

    Tempeh, a traditional Indonesian food, is a chunky, tender soybean cake. Whole soybeans, sometimes mixed with another grain such as rice or millet, are fermented into a rich cake of soybeans with a smoky or nutty flavor.

  • Soynut Butter

    To make soynut butter, soynuts are roasted, crushed and blended with soybean oil and other ingredients.

  • Soybean (Vegetable) Oil

    Soybean oil is the natural oil extracted from whole soybeans. It is the most widely used oil in the U.S., accounting for more than 65% of our total vegetable fats and oils intake. Oil sold in the grocery store under the generic name “vegetable oil” is usually 100% soybean oil or a blend of soybean oil and other oils. Soybean oil is cholesterol free.

  • Infant Formula

    Soy-based infant formulas are similar to other infant formulas except that a soy protein isolate powder is used as a base.

  • Soy Flour

    Soy flour is made by grinding soybeans into a fine powder. Soy flour is gluten-free and 50% protein.

  • Lecithin

    Extracted from soybean oil, lecithin is used in food manufacturing as an emulsifier in products high in fats and oils.

  • Soy Protein Isolate

    When protein is removed from defatted flakes, the result is soy protein isolate. Containing 90% protein, soy protein isolates possess the greatest amount of protein of all soy products.

Soy-based Recipes