Soy Uses

The soy bean has been used for numerous food and non-food products, proving that soy is not only healthy but versatile. And now it's easier than ever to incorporate soy into daily routines with satisfying recipes.

Food Uses of Soy

As Americans become more interested in the health benefits of soy, manufacturers have expanded their selections to meet demand. Now it’s easier than ever to incorporate soy protein and isoflavones into a well-balanced meal plan. The list below covers the broad categories of soy foods, most easily found in local stores.

  • Cereal
  • Cheese
  • Chips
  • Coffee
  • Creamer
  • Edamame
  • Energy bars
  • Flour
  • Grits
  • Ice cream
  • Meat alternatives (burgers, hotdogs, sausage, bacon)
  • Miso
  • Pasta
  • Soy protein powder
  • Roasted soy nuts
  • Soy milk (sometimes called soy beverage)
  • Soy nut butter
  • Smoothies
  • Soy sauce (teriyaki, tamari, shoyu)
  • Tempeh
  • Tofu
  • Vegetable oil
  • Whipped topping
  • Yogurt

Non-Food Uses of Soy

The soy bean gets used for much more than a source of protein. The list below shows general categories of available soy items.

  • Animal feed and pet foods
  • Candles
  • Caulk
  • Cleaning products
  • Cosmetics
  • Crayons
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Fire logs
  • Biodiesel (alternative fuel)
  • Furniture
  • Furniture polish
  • Lip balm
  • Massage oil
  • Oils for machinery, guns, engines and more
  • Pond liners
  • Building insulation
  • Printing inks
  • Soaps and shampoos
  • Socks
  • Stains
  • Stain remover
  • Wood sealer
  • Yarn

To learn more about these products, or to find manufacturers of these products, visit the United Soybean Board.

Soy Fact

A 60-pound bushel of soy beans yields about 48 pounds of protein-rich meal and 11 pounds of oil.

The American Soybean Association