Everything from candy and condiments to soups and spreads may contain soy-based ingredients. Components of soy add texture, taste and bulk, and, in some instances, soy increases the product's nutritional value. Soy is a complete protein, because it contains all of the amino acids needed by the body.The downside of this nutrient is that soy is a common allergen, similar to gluten in wheat and lactose in milk. Check the list of ingredients on packaged processed foods to verify if a product contains soy.
Milk Alternative
An alternative to cow's milk, soy milk is made by soaking soybeans, then grinding and straining the mixture to extract liquid resembling milk. Soy milk is a rich source of protein and several B vitamins. Foods made with soy milk include yogurt, kefir, mayonnaise, dressings, dips and dairy-free frozen desserts.
Textured Soy Protein
Textured soy protein comes from soy flour, which is re-hydrated before using. Keep in mind that this form of soy is highly concentrated, so the taste is considerably stronger than most other soy products. You can find textured soy primarily in fresh and frozen processed spicy foods, such as chili, sausage and numerous ethnic foods. Spices offset the strong bean taste.
Meat Alternative
Several brands of processed foods on the market use soy protein in place of meat. By adding sodium and other natural and artificial ingredients, these processed soy meat alternatives taste remarkably similar to meat, although the texture is not quite the same. Processed meal alternatives containing soy include soy burgers; veggie dogs; soy bacon and ham; and "chicken" strips, patties and nuggets.
Baked Goods
An alternative to whole grain or refined flours, soy flour is made from roasted soybeans, and is gluten-free. While you can use soy flour in numerous recipes, it cannot entirely replace whole-wheat or white flour in traditional baking, such as cakes, cookies and breads, because gluten and yeast make baked products rise. Processed soy-based baked goods include soy brownie and biscuit mixes and soy chips, crisps and bars. You can also substitute soy oil in many recipes calling for vegetable oil.
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