Soy
Soy is a very common food ingredient, whether it is realized or not. Soy can take different shapes/properties to aid in food production. For example, soy lecithin is used often as a food binder and to help keep our prepackaged foods "fresh" for longer. Soy is most often associated with Asian cuisine, however it finds its way amongst other cuisines as well.
Fast Facts
Foods Included:
Soybean in any form (beans, nuts, paste, etc.)
Soy Sauce
Edamame
Tofu
Tempeh
Soy Milk / Soy-dairy Alternative (yogurt, cheese, butter, etc.)
Soy Based Meat Alternatives
Various Sauces: Teriyaki Sauce, Miso, Shoyu, Tamari, etc.
Foods with "soy" in ingredients
Commonly used in Asian cuisines (Chinese, Japanese, Thai, etc.).
Vegetable Broth (some contain soy)
Many "Pre-Packaged" Foods contain soy ingredients for various reasons. Always check your food label!
Other Names Commonly Seen In Ingredient Lists, associated with Soy:
Soybean / Soy : sauce, bran, flour, milk, fiber, nuts, nut butter, protein, sprouts, curds, beans, concentrate, paste, etc. (Any form of these soy/soybean + description!)
Soy Lecithin
Edamame
Bean Curd
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Miso
Okara
Soya, Soya Flour
Shoyu Sauce
Tamari
Tempeh
Terikyaki Sauce
Textured Soy ___ : protein, flour
Textured Vegetable Protein
Tofu
Yuba
Flavorings
Quick and Easy Ways To Expose!
Add Soy Milk to foods! - add to pureed items, smoothies, use in place of dairy based milk on occasion in entrees
Add Butter or Spread to foods!
Make Popsicles - include soy milk, fruits, dairy as you wish!
Top toast or crackers with soy butter or spread (+ jelly or fruit puree!)
Serve Soy-Based Milk IN ADDITION TO breastmilk/formula (if under age 1) or cow's milk/dairy (if over age 1).
Serve Soy-Based Yogurts, Cheese
Use Teriyaki Sauce in dishes (make sure there is no honey included if baby is under age 1!).
Prepackaged foods that contain Soy Ingredients
Random Facts & Tips!
Soy-based milks do not contain the appropriate amount of fat needed for ideal brain growth and development in infants/toddler's under age 2. **If your child does not tolerate "regular" milk well, work with your Pediatrician or a Registered Dietitian to assure baby gets adequate fat in the diet!
Soy is very commonly found as an ingredient in prepacked foods. Always check your labels!
Soy sauce is not ideal for soy exposure overall. Soy sauce is very high in salt. Too much salt can be hard on baby's kidneys. A touch of soy sauce here and there won't hurt, but I'd look at different sources ideally for continued exposure.
Studies have shown ~10-14% of infants with CMPA (Cow's Milk Protein Allergy) also have a Soy allergy.