Join soybean growers as part of their soy checkoff, the U.S. Soy community, the food industry, health professionals, and consumers across the nation in celebrating soy’s important place at the table – from its powerful plant-based nutrition and ability to improve skin health to its sustainable production and cooking versatility.
Soy is a complete, high-quality plant protein that is praised for its health benefits. It provides all nine essential amino acids in amounts needed by the body and may improve bone health and cognitive function. It’s the only plant protein that carries the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) heart health claim confirming it may be able to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Soy foods are also a source of folate, potassium, fiber, iron, and zinc. Soybean oil, which is typically labeled as “vegetable oil”, also carries a qualified FDA heart health claim confirming it may be able to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
Five Ways to Benefit from Soy Foods
- Cook with soy foods: Incorporate soy foods like tofu, edamame, tempeh, soymilk, and soy-based meat alternatives in your cooking. Try dietitian-endorsed recipes like Basil Lime Edamame Toast for a snack, or Caribbean Crispy Tofu Pineapple Bowls for dinner.
- Try flexitarian (pair plant and animal protein): Add crispy tofu and fresh edamame to chicken, beef, pork or shrimp stir fry dishes for a protein and isoflavone boost (powerful plant compounds naturally found in soybeans) that may help reduce breast and prostate cancer risk and lower cholesterol.
- Eat fermented soy foods to support gut health: Good bacteria found in soy foods, especially those that are fermented like miso and natto, may help promote a healthier gut. Dietary fiber also supports digestive health, so choose fiber-rich soy foods like edamame or soy nuts.
- Look for soy on the label: Most vegetable oil on store shelves is 100% soybean oil. Soybean oil is recognized for its heart health benefits, and it also has a neutral flavor and high-heat cooking stability, making it an excellent choice for frying, baking, sautéing, and more.
- Shop your local grocery store: You can find a selection of soy foods and ingredients in your local store. Edamame, tofu, soy nuts, soy nut butter, soy milk, soy-based yogurt and cheese, tempeh, miso, soy-based protein bars and powders, soy-based meat alternatives, and more. Every store is a little bit different, so if you can’t find soy foods in the store, check the health foods aisle or section.
The U.S. is a leading producer of soybeans, with the half-million farmers in 30 states growing more than 80 million acres of soybeans in 2023. Soybean farmers provide nutritious and sustainable food to people worldwide all while being good stewards of the planet, through soil and water conservation, crop rotation, and carbon net neutrality goals.
Join the Soy Foods Month conversation on social media by following @U.S. Soy and using the hashtags #SoyFoodsMonth and #USSoy.
View more Soy Foods Month videos that celebrate all things soy foods, and explore more about U.S. grown sustainable soy on our YouTube channel.
Recipes
Check out our soy-based recipes. From plant-based to flexitarian, we’ve got your tastebuds covered!
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