Soybeans are legumes (a pod or seed used as food) that can be found in many different products. Soy can be consumed in plant form or as a substance added to food products, such as vegetable oils or soups. Soy is also used in a variety of non-food products, such as inks, soaps or cosmetics. In some people, contact with these soy products will result in an allergic skin reaction called atopic dermatitis.

People with soy allergies may have cross-reactions to other legumes, including:

• Peanuts
• Green peas
• Chick peas
• Lima beans
• String beans
• Navy beans
• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Pinto beans
• Lentils
• Carob
• Licorice

In addition, many foods and ingredients contain some type of soy product. These include:

• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Also known as HVP, this is a protein obtained from any vegetable, including soybeans. It is used to enhance the flavor of certain foods, and is found in:
• Soups
• Broth
• Sauces
• Gravies
• Flavorings
• Spice blends
• Canned/frozen vegetables
• Meats and poultry
  
  
• Lecithin. An ingredient extracted from soybean oil and used to promote stabilization, antioxidation, crystallization and spattering control (reducing splashing) in foods high in fat and oils. It is also used as an emulsifier (which promotes suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid) in some chocolate. Many infant formulas also contain the ingredient.
  
  
• Miso. A salty condiment derived from soybeans and grains, such as rice. It is used to flavor soups, sauces, dressings, marinades and patés.
  
  
• Mono-diglyceride. A soy derivative used for emulsion in foods.
  
  
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG). A food flavoring that may contain hydrolyzed protein, which is often made from soy.
  
  
• Natto. Made of fermented and cooked whole soybeans.
  
  
• Natural flavors (listed as such on ingredient labels). May contain a soy derivative.
  
  
• Some fruit (canned, frozen or fresh) and fruit juices.
  
  
• Soy cheese. Made of soy milk and often used as a substitute for sour cream or cream cheese.
  
  
• Soy fiber. Used as food ingredients. The three basic types are:
• Okara
• Soy bran
• Soy isolate fiber
  
  
• Soy flour. Made from finely ground roasted soybeans and often used to boost protein content in recipes.
  
  
• Soy grits. Toasted, coarsely cracked soybeans used in soy grits. These are often used as a flour substitute.
  
  
• Soy meal/soy oil. Used in industrial products such as inks, soaps and cosmetics.
  
  
• Soy milk. Used as an alternative to cow’s milk, or in foods such as soy yogurt, soy cheese or tofu.
  
  
• Soy nuts. Can be in the form of nuts or added to spices such as salt or paprika.
  
  
• Soy oil. Naturally extracted from soybeans, and found in many margarines, vegetable shortenings and pasta sauces. It also is found in Worcestershire sauce, salad dressings, mayonnaise, canned tuna, dry lemonade mix and hot chocolate mix. Soy oil is used in many types of breads, rolls, cakes, cookies and crackers and some prepackaged cereals.
  
  
• Soy protein (sometimes labeled as soy protein concentrate, isolated soy protein, textured soy protein or textured soy flour). Often used to extend the life of meats. Soup bouillons usually contain some form of soy protein, as do meat alternatives such as tofu.
  
  
• Soy sauces. Dark brown liquids made from soybeans that have fermented. There are three major types:
• Shoyu (blend of soybeans and wheat)
• Tamari (byproduct of miso)
• Teriyaki (contains a blend of sugar, vinegar and spices)
  
  
Other sauces, such as Worcestershire sauce, may also contain soy.


• Soy sprouts. Sprouted whole soybeans.
  
  
• Soy yogurt.
  
  
• Soybean granules or curds.
  
  
• Tempeh. A chunky, tender soybean cake that is a traditional Indonesian food.
  
  
• Tofu. A soft, cheese-like food made by curdling fresh hot soy milk with a coagulant. Also known as soybean curd, it has a bland taste that absorbs the flavors of other ingredients when used in cooking. People often use tofu as a meat substitute.
  
  
• Vegetable oil. Usually 100 percent soy oil or a blend of soy oil and other oils.
  
  
• Vitamin E supplements. May contain soybean oil.