For the past 25 years, the United Soybean Board (USB) has conducted an annual study of what consumers think about plant-based oil and protein ingredients. To dive deeper into the facts above and for more information on how consumers think about plant-based oils and proteins, complete the contact form to the right and we’ll be in touch.
Consumers choose soybean oil for health more than any other oil.
While consumers like to say they seek out olive oil, soybean oil is their true favorite. Consumers seek soybean oil more than canola, sunflower and corn oils; and it’s used nearly three times more than olive oil in the U.S.
Not all plant proteins are created equal.
Food manufacturers are exploring plant-protein options, but soybeans are one of the few that are a complete protein source, meaning they deliver all essential amino acids. No other plant protein source comes close.
Select highly sustainable protein and oil options.
Soybeans are a sustainability powerhouse, providing more protein per acre and using less water per ton of output than any other plant-source. Soybeans also protect soil health with more acreage in conservation tillage than any other protein or oil source, and by nature, soybeans are a nitrogen-fixing crop and help increase the nutrients left in the soil.
Abundance Drives Value
Some see the ubiquity of certain crops like corn, wheat and soybeans as problematic. However, this ubiquity was driven by demand and it’s a core driver of providing economical, healthy food solutions to manufacturers and consumers. U.S. farmers grow soybeans in 31 states making it both convenient and cost-effective.
Non-GMO Is a Non-concern
Forty-seven percent of consumers say healthy fats and oils are especially important in selecting foods, while only 26% saying non-gmo is especially important. For those looking for a non-gmo solution, both U.S. grown soybean and canola oil are the two top sources of domestic non-gmo vegetable oil, each providing more than three times more non-gmo than other sources like sunflower or safflower.
Neither are Allergens
Soy is the lowest frequency allergen among the “Big 8,” with 40 times fewer allergic individuals than dairy products. In fact, soy allergic reactions occur at the same rate as yellow peas, chocolate and meat.