Soy beans are a cheap and abundant food source that is so flexible it has become nearly ubiquitous in American processed foods. Its neutral flavor profile makes it ideal for creating imitation versions of meats and other foods. Soy crisps -- essentially an imitation potato chip -- are one such imitation.
Macronutrients
A 1-oz serving of salted soy crisps contains 105 calories, including 15 g carbohydrates, 2 g fats and 7.5 g protein. To compare, a similar serving of salted potato crisps contains 153 calories -- nearly half again as many. It contains roughly the same amount of carbohydrates as soy crisps, but five times the fat and only about one-fourth the protein. It's also worth noting that the proteins in soy are complete proteins: They contain all the amino acids your body needs but can't make for itself. Soy is the only plant that contains complete proteins.
Micronutrients
Soy is rich in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and phytonutrients. The phytoestrogens in soy have been shown to play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, some reproductive health issues and many forms of cancer. Since soy is the main ingredient in soy crisps, eating them can deliver the benefits of regular soy consumption.
Too Much
According to information in the Nov. 3, 2009 issue of the "Scientific American" and the July/August 2007 issue of "The Utne Reader," recent research may indicate that "too much of a good thing" can apply to soy consumption. The phytoestrogens in soy are similar enough to human estrogen that large doses can create effects similar to taking medical doses of estrogen. For this reason, children and pregnant women should limit soy consumption to three servings per week. Flavored soy crisps may also be high in sodium, artificial flavors and other additives.
Healthiness
"Healthy" is a relative term. As a snack choice, soy crisps are certainly healthier than potato chips or candy bars. However, as a soy choice, they aren't as good for you as edamame or tofu. The best approach for eating soy crisps is to handle them as an occasional snack, not as a staple food you eat for health reasons.
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