When Your Child Has a Food Allergy: Soy

Soy is considered a major food allergen under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2006. All food products which contain soy as an ingredient must list the word “soy” on the product label. For more information about food labeling laws, go to www.foodallergy.org.

If you are unsure about any product, confirm ingredients with the manufacturer or discuss with your allergist before using.

Patient instructions: Avoid these foods and ingredients

• Edamame

• Hydrolyzed soy protein

• Miso

• Natto

• Shoyu sauce

• Soy (albumin, fiber, flour, grits, nuts, sprouts)

• Soya

• Soybean (granules, curd)

• Soymilk

• Soy protein (concentrate, isolate)

• Soy sauce

• Tamari

• Tempeh

• Teriyaki Sauce

• Textured vegetable protein (TVP)

• Tofu

Other ingredients that may contain soy protein:

• Hydrolyzed plant protein

• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein

• Natural flavoring

• Vegetable broth

• Vegetable gum

• Vegetable starch

Studies show most soy-allergic individuals may safely eat soy lecithin and soy oil that has been highly refined (not virgin, cold-pressed, expeller-pressed, or extruded soybean oil).

If your child has ANY of the symptoms listed below, act quickly!

Use an epinephrine auto-injector right away if one has been prescribed. Then call 911.

• Trouble breathing, wheezing, or cough that won’t stop

• Swelling of the mouth or face

• Tightness in throat or hoarse voice

• Dizziness, confusion, or fainting

• Vomiting, belly pain, or severe diarrhea

Reviewed May 2024 by Megan Lewis, MSN, CRNP and Jonathan Spergel, MD, PhD