These soybeans are harvested when the beans are still green and sweet tasting. After being boiled in water with a little salt for 15 to 20 minutes, they can be eaten as a snack or as a main vegetable. They are high in protein and fiber and contain no cholesterol. Edamame can be bought shelled or in the pod in the supermarket produce section or frozen food aisle.
Foods like burgers, sausages, bacon, and hot dogs are made with soy protein or tofu to make them taste like meat. Generally, they are cholesterol-free and lower in fat than meat. They are excellent sources of protein, iron and B vitamins.
Miso is a rich, salty soy paste used in Japanese cooking. The Japanese make miso soup and add it to sauces, dressings, and marinades to make them taste better. Miso paste should be refrigerated. Miso contains minimal soy protein and is high in sodium.
Soybeans that are soaked, ground fine and strained produce fluid called soybean milk. Soymilk that hasn’t been added to with any extra nutrients is a great source of high-quality protein and B vitamins, but it doesn’t have any calcium or vitamin D. Fortified versions, however, are available.
Soymilk can be found in non-refrigerated containers or in the dairy case at the supermarket. It also is sold as a powder to be mixed with water.
Soymilk is an excellent milk substitute for people who are lactose intolerant. It can used as a beverage or in place of milk in cooking.
Roasted soy nuts are whole soybeans that have been soaked in water and then baked until browned. Soy nuts come in a variety of flavors. They are high in protein and isoflavones, and similar in texture and flavor to peanuts.
Is There Soy in Bacon? What to Know About Soy-Free Bacon
Crispy, savory bacon is a breakfast staple for many. But for those with soy allergies, enjoying bacon gets tricky. Soy has become an increasingly common additive in processed meats like bacon. So is it possible to find soy-free bacon brands that are safe to enjoy?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what soy is, why it’s added to bacon, how to spot it on labels, the best soy-free bacon brands, and helpful bacon-buying tips for those avoiding soy
What is Soy and Why is it Added to Bacon?
Soy comes from the soybean plant and is a legume like beans, peas, and lentils. Soybeans are processed into three main soy ingredients:
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Soy protein – Used as a meat substitute or extender, boosts protein content. Found in veggie burgers, meatballs, sausages.
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Soy oil – Used for frying and baking, adds moisture and flavor. Found in mayonnaise, salad dressings, non-dairy coffee creamers.
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Soy lecithin – An emulsifier that helps blend ingredients. Found in chocolate, baked goods, ice cream.
These soy-derived ingredients are commonly added to all kinds of processed foods – including bacon. Here’s why soy is used in bacon production:
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Extends meat – Soy protein concentrates bulk up meat content cheaply so less real meat is needed.
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Holds moisture – Soy oil helps bacon stay juicy during cooking.
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Improves texture – Soy emulsifiers like lecithin help bacon hold together and crisp up nicely.
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Adds flavor – Soy sauce is used sometimes to boost bacon’s salty, savory taste.
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Reduces shrinkage – Soy ingredients help minimize bacon shrinkage during cooking.
For most people, these small amounts of soy won’t cause issues. But for those with soy allergies, even tiny traces of soy protein can trigger allergic reactions. That’s why checking labels for soy-free bacon is so important.
How to Check Bacon Labels for Hidden Soy
When purchasing bacon, read the ingredient labels closely to spot potential soy additives like:
- Soy protein isolate
- Soy protein concentrate
- Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
- Hydrolyzed soy protein
- Soy oil
- Soy lecithin
- Soy sauce
- Vegetable broth
Terms like “natural flavors” or “spices” may also conceal soy-based ingredients. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer to ask if their bacon contains soy.
Opt for brands that specifically advertise as “soy-free” on the label. Also check allergen statements for any warnings about soy content. With vigilance, it’s possible to find soy-free bacon options.
The Best Soy-Free Bacon Brands
If you want to enjoy bacon without the worries of soy, look for these top soy-free bacon brands:
- Wellshire Farms Sugar Free Uncured Bacon
- Applegate Naturals No Soy Bacon
- Oscar Mayer Bacon Made with No Fillers, No Soy
- Hormel Black Label Bacon
- Whole Foods 365 Organic Uncured No Soy Bacon
- Trader Joe’s Uncured Bacon Ends & Pieces
- Pederson’s Natural Farms Uncured Bacon
- Yoder’s Maple Syrup Flavored Bacon
- Whole Foods 365 Hickory Smoked Soy-Free Bacon
Most major bacon producers like Oscar Mayer, Hormel and Applegate offer soy-free options. Smaller brands like Wellshire Farms and Pederson’s also make bacon without soy. Check your local natural grocer or specialty butcher for other potential soy-free choices.
Tips for Purchasing Soy-Free Bacon
Follow these helpful tips when shopping for soy-free bacon:
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Carefully read the ingredients list, don’t just rely on front label claims.
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Look for short ingredient lists with whole food ingredients you recognize.
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Contact the manufacturer if you have any doubts about soy content.
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Opt for uncured bacon without chemical preservatives like nitrites.
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Choose certified organic and non-GMO verified bacon when possible for higher quality.
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Purchase bacon from natural grocers or butchers that understand soy allergies.
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Buy in small quantities and check new brands, as formulations can change.
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Consider making your own bacon at home from fresh pork belly.
With the right brand and proper label reading, people with soy allergies can still enjoy the rich, savory, salty flavor of bacon. Being an educated food label reader is the key to identifying truly soy-free bacon products.
What About Turkey Bacon and Soy?
Many people switch to turkey bacon as a leaner alternative to pork bacon. But most turkey bacon still contains those less-than-desirable soy additives.
Soy protein concentrates are very commonly added to turkey bacon to extend the small amount of meat and provide texture. Turkey bacon also tends to contain soy oil, soy lecithin, hydrolyzed soy protein, and other soy-based ingredients.
Luckily, a few healthier turkey bacon options exist without soy:
- Applegate Naturals Organic Turkey Bacon
- Wellshire Sugar Free Uncured Turkey Bacon
- Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon
- Butterball Everyday Turkey Bacon
As always, double check the label to verify soy-free status. And contact the company if you are uncertain about any ingredients.
Potential Bacon Substitutes for Soy Allergies
If you find it too difficult to source truly soy-free bacon, consider these lower-fat, soy-free bacon substitute ideas:
- Chicken or turkey breakfast sausage
- Prosciutto ham
- Beef or turkey jerky
- Smoked salmon
- Roasted chickpeas or nuts
- Avocado
- Portobello mushroom “bacon”
While not exact bacon duplicates, these foods can provide similar flavors, textures and satisfaction – without the concerns over soy.
The Verdict on Soy-Free Bacon
With careful label reading and brand research, it is possible to find bacon made without soy, even turkey bacon. Meat from pasture-raised, organic pigs and turkeys are less likely to contain soy additives.
Your safest bet is choosing bacon brands that specifically advertise as soy-free. Contacting manufacturers directly can also give you peace of mind.
With the right choices, people with soy allergies can still enjoy the smoky, salty flavor of everyone’s favorite breakfast meat. Just be sure to check those labels diligently before taking home any bacon products.
Making BACON from SOY SKIN the Easiest Vegan Bacon Recipe!
Is Bacon made of coconut?
Yes, bacon made of coconut! These vegan bacon bits are gluten-free and have zero sugar alcohols. For only 15 calories, they are the perfect crunchy addition to your lunch salad. Per 1 1/2 tbsps: 30 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 115 mg sodium, 2 g carbs (1 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 0 g sugar alcohol), 3 g protein That’s right!
Can one have soy?
Yes, soy is one of the most complete foods of vegetable origin. It can be consumed in the form of cooked grains, flour or through textured protein. In addition to the grain, other ways to consume soy are through soy milk, tofu, yogurt, cheese and sauces, for example.
Is Bacon a healthy choice?
Some super fans claim bacon is a healthy choice because it has “good fats.” It’s true that some positive omega-3 fatty acids in it are also in olive oil, a nice-list staple. The amount of saturated fat in bacon, though, is huge compared with other sources.
Is Bacon a good meat?
Bacon is the rare meat so well-loved that we invite it into both sweet and savory foods. Both traditional and pork-free options offer robust salty and smoky flavors and the crisp or chewy textures we just can’t get enough of. So let’s put bacon on everything!