Is soy protein gluten free? The answer is yes! Soy protein is indeed gluten free. This is a question that many people ask, especially those who are looking for a healthy, gluten free alternative to animal protein sources.
There are many reasons why someone might want to choose soy protein over other protein sources, such as being vegan or vegetarian, wanting a lower calorie option, or needing a source of protein that is also high in fiber. Whatever the reason, soy protein offers a delicious, nutritious option that is also gluten free.
What is Soy Protein?
There are many different types of soy protein available on the market today. The two most common forms are soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate. Both of these forms are highly purified versions of soybean that have had the vast majority of their fat and carbohydrates removed. This leaves behind a powder that is mostly made up of protein.
Soy protein isolate is the form of soy protein that is most often used in supplements and energy bars. It has a very high protein content, typically around 90%. Soy protein concentrate is less processed than soy protein isolate and as such still contains some of the fat and carbohydrates from the original soybean. The protein content of soy protein concentrate is typically around 70%.
When choosing soy protein products, be sure to read the labels carefully to make sure they do not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. There are many great soy protein products on the market that are specifically labeled as being gluten free.
Is Soy Gluten Free?
The short answer is yes, soy is gluten free. Soybeans and soy protein are naturally gluten free, but that doesn’t mean all soy products are gluten free. Once processed into other forms, the resulting soy based product may end up no longer qualifying as gluten free – so be sure to know your soy products!
Common Soy Products
We’ve broken down some popular soy products and whether or not they are gluten free below.
Is Soy Sauce Gluten Free?
Unfortunately soy sauce DOES contain gluten. There are a few gluten free sauce sauces on the market, including one made by Kikkoman. Tamari may also be substituted for soy sauce, but make sure your Tamari is gluten free as well. Coconut Aminos are are substitute of choice for soy sauce.
Is Tofu Gluten Free?
Tofu is another popular soy product that is often used as a meat alternative. Tofu is made by curdling soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into solid blocks. The good news is that tofu is gluten free!
Is Edamame Gluten Free?
Edamame are immature green soybeans that are typically steamed or boiled and eaten whole. These little beans make a great snack on their own or can be added to soups, salads, and other dishes. And yes, soybeans are also gluten free.
Is Miso Gluten Free?
It depends. Miso is a fermented paste made from soybeans, rice, barley, and other ingredients. The type of grain used in the fermentation process will determine whether or not the final miso paste is gluten free. For example, barley miso is NOT gluten free, but brown rice miso IS gluten free. When in doubt, always check the label to be sure.
Is Soybean Oil Gluten Free?
Soybean oil IS gluten free. This popular cooking oil is made from the pressing of soybeans and does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
Is Soy Lecithin Gluten Free?
Used as an emulsifier, soy lecithin has an extremely common ingredient on most food labels. It is extracted from soybean oil during processing and therefore soy lecithin is indeed gluten free.
Is Soy Milk Gluten Free?
Most soy milks ARE gluten free, but not all soy milks. This is an important item to be sure to read the label of to be 100% sure.
Is Soy Flour Gluten Free?
Soy flour is produced from grinding roasted soybeans, and therefore does not contain any gluten. Soy flour can safely be used to substitute in recipes that call for wheat flour.
Soy products are a great way to add protein, fiber, and other nutrients to your diet without having to worry about gluten. Just be sure to check labels carefully to make sure the product you’re choosing is indeed gluten free. And when in doubt, opt for tofu, edamame, or other soybean-based products that are naturally gluten free.
TL;DR: Is Soy Protein Gluten Free?
To recap, is soy protein gluten free? YES!
Check out more from our “is it gluten free” series!
