Did you know that soy is one of the most common food allergens in Canada? For people who are allergic, avoiding soy and soy-containing foods while still making nutritious food choices is important. Read on to get the facts on soy allergies.
What is a soy allergy?
A soy allergy is when the body’s immune system mistakes soy as harmful. For some, soy can trigger life-threatening reactions. Soy is part of the legume family. All beans, peas, lentils and peanuts are legumes. Most people who have a soy allergy do not have an allergy to other legumes.
What are the symptoms of a food allergy?
Like other food allergies, having an allergic reaction to soy can include any of the following symptoms:
- Flushed face, hives or a rash, red and itchy skin
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat and tongue
- Trouble breathing, speaking or swallowing
- Itchy skin
- Anxiety, distress, fainting, paleness, sense of doom and weakness
- Cramps, diarrhea, vomiting
- A drop in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and loss of consciousness (in extreme cases)
It is important to avoid all foods that contain soy and soy-based ingredients if you are allergic.
When is a soy allergy usually diagnosed?
A soy allergy is most common in babies. Look out for skin rashes, hives or any face swelling as a symptom of a soy allergy in babies. A doctor or allergist can confirm if you suspect your baby has a soy allergy.
What do I do if my baby has a soy allergy?
If your baby has been diagnosed with a soy allergy, it is important to avoid feeding your baby any foods that contain soy. If you are breastfeeding your baby, check with your baby’s doctor to see if removing soy and foods that contain soy from your diet is needed. Soy proteins in a mother’s diet can pass into the breastmilk and cause an allergic reaction in the baby. If you are formula feeding your baby, check our information here.
Can a soy allergy be outgrown?
Yes. For many children, a soy allergy will go away within a few years, but some soy allergies can last a lifetime. It is important to consult with your doctor or allergist before reintroducing soy products into your child’s diet.
What foods may contain soy?
Foods and beverages that contain or often contain soy include:
- Bean sprouts
- Breadcrumbs, cereals and crackers
- Breaded food
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
- Imitation dairy food
- Miso
- Sauces like tamari, teriyaki and Worcestershire
- Simulated fish and meat products like surimi, imitation bacon bits and vegetarian burgers
- Soy beverages
- Soy butter
- Soybean and soybean paste
- Soy sauce
- Tempeh and tofu
Food products that possibly use soy include:
-
Bread
- Breakfast cereals including infant pablum or cereal
- Infant formulas
- Meal replacements
- Pastas
Soy is a versatile ingredient used in many processed foods. Other possible sources of soy include:
What are the other names for soy?
In Canada, it is no longer permitted for products to use other names for soy without also having the word "soy" on the label. This is because soy is a common (priority) allergen.
However, if you have a soy allergy, and you see any of the following ingredients on a label, you should not eat this food.
- Bean curd (dofu, kori-dofu, soybean curds, tofu)
- Edamame
- Kinako
- Natto
- Nimame
- Okara
- Soya, soja, soybean and soyabeans
- Yuba
Note: this is not a complete list. Speak to your dietitian or allergist for more information.
Is soy oil safe for a person with a soy allergy?
People who have a soy allergy may have a reaction to soy oil. Before trying soy oil or products made with soy oil, consult with your doctor or allergist.
Tips for following a soy-free diet
Keep these helpful tips in mind when following a soy-free diet:
- Canadian guidelines require that soy-containing products are clearly labelled. The ingredient list will say “contains: soy” if it contains this ingredient.
- Avoid food products that warn they “may contain” or “may contain traces” of soy on their label. These products may have come into contact with soy (through cross-contamination).
- If you are unsure if a product contains soy, contact the manufacturer. Even if you have used the product before, it may have changed. Many food packages have contact information on them.
- Don’t take chances. Avoid foods that do not have a clear ingredient list or if you are not familiar with an ingredient. This includes avoiding imported products, as they do not always have an accurate food label.
- Be informed. Sign up for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) free email “Food Recalls and Allergy Alerts” notification service.
- When eating out, ask if soy or soy-based foods are used. If you can, call ahead to see if soy-free dishes are available.
Tip: Use herbs and spices to add flavour to stir fry’s instead of soy sauce. Check out our article on how to make a healthy stir-fry for some inspiration.
How can a dietitian help?
A dietitian can help you plan a nutritious, balanced diet that is soy-free. They can also teach you the skills to understand food labels and choose healthy and safe options when eating out. Some dietitians will even walk you through the grocery store to show you how to compare food products.
If your baby has a soy allergy, a dietitian can provide guidance on how to introduce solids to your baby and make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need to grow. Connect with a dietitian today.
Bottom line
If you aren’t sure if a product contains soy, don’t take any chances. Carefully reading the ingredient list of food products every time is important to avoid an allergic reaction.
You may also be interested in:
Food Allergies and Intolerances
Food Allergies and Babies
What is the link between eczema and food allergies in babies
This article was written and reviewed by dietitians from Dietitians of Canada.
Last Update – November 2, 2021