Soy Foods−Defined

Soy foods are nutrient-dense, plant-based products derived from soybeans, a versatile legume that packs complete protein on par with an egg. If you don’t include soy foods in your diet yet, you might like to learn more about these highly beneficial options.

Originating in China around 1100 BCE, soy foods rapidly spread throughout East Asia as a vital protein source in the form of nutrient-dense staples like tofu, tempeh, and soy sauce.

Initially valued for medicinal purposes, soy arrived in the U.S. in 1765 as a forage crop before booming in the 1940s, evolving into a major global commodity used in food, oil, and industrial products.

Soy-derived foods, which are renowned for their heart health benefits, provide high-quality, complete protein, fiber, essential vitamins, minerals, phytoestrogens, and more. These healthy foods include:

• Edamame
• Miso paste
• soy bacon
• Soy burgers
• soy cheese
• Soy milk
• Soy nuts
• Soy protein isolate
• Soy yogurt
• Tamari
• Tempeh
• Tofu