Hidden names for soy on ingredient labels
Soy appears as soya, soybean, edamame, tofu, tempeh, miso, natto, soy lecithin, soy protein isolate and textured vegetable protein (TVP). On most US packaged foods the label must also say "soy". Highly refined soybean oil is exempt from FDA allergen labeling, so ask your doctor whether you need to avoid it.
Ingredients made from soy
| Name | What it is |
|---|---|
| Soya, soybean, soy | Different names for the same bean |
| Edamame | Young green soybeans |
| Tofu, tempeh | Soybean curd and fermented soybean cake |
| Miso, natto | Fermented soybean paste and fermented beans |
| Soy sauce | Usually made from soy and wheat |
| Soy lecithin | An emulsifier, shown as "lecithin (soy)" |
| Soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate | Concentrated soy protein |
| Textured vegetable protein (TVP) | Often made from soy, used in meat substitutes |
| Hydrolyzed soy protein | Processed soy protein used in flavorings |
| Soy flour, soy fiber, soy milk | Other soy products |
Where soy turns up
Soy is common in processed foods: breads and baked goods, chocolate (as lecithin), meat substitutes, sauces and dressings, cereal bars and many Asian dishes. Because TVP can be made from other plants, SafeScan marks it as a likely soy source rather than a certain one.
Let SafeScan do the matching
Add soy to your profile and SafeScan flags all of these names, with an explanation for each. Scan the ingredient label when a product isn't in the database.
This guide is general information based on US labeling rules, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or allergist about your own allergies, and always read the label on the package in your hand.
SafeScan finds soy in all its forms
SafeScan matches edamame, tofu, tempeh, miso, natto, TVP, soy lecithin and other soy ingredients, and explains every match so you can check it on the label.
Download on the App StoreFree to download for iPhone and iPad. No account needed, and your profiles and scan history stay on your device.
Frequently asked questions
Does soybean oil contain soy allergen?
Highly refined oils are exempt from FDA allergen labeling. Whether you need to avoid soybean oil is a question for your doctor or allergist.
Is soy lecithin a soy ingredient?
Yes. Soy lecithin is an emulsifier made from soybeans. On US packaged foods it's often shown as "lecithin (soy)".