ASCIA Dietary avoidance - soy
ASCIA Dietary Avoidance for Food Allergy FAQ should be printed in conjunction with the ASCIA diet sheet for soy.
ASCIA PCC Dietary Avoidance FAQ 2021227.27 KB
ASCIA PCC Dietary avoidance soy 2019260.37 KB
Soy is found in many foods, and often in foods we do not suspect. Avoiding soy is essential for people with confirmed soy allergy. It is important to read and understand food labels to be able to choose the right foods.
The following foods and ingredients CONTAIN soy and should be avoided:
Bean curd |
Soy desserts |
Soy sauce |
Edamame |
Soy flour |
Soy yoghurt |
Miso |
Soy formula |
Tamari |
Soya beans |
Soy ice cream |
Tempeh |
Soy bean paste |
Soy milk |
Teriyaki |
Soy bean sprouts |
Soy protein isolate |
Tofu |
Soy cheeses |
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Check labels on the following foods to see if they contain soy, and if they do avoid them:
Allergy friendly breads |
Crumbed meats and fish |
Pancakes |
Bread/breadcrumbs/bakery items |
Deli salads |
Pizza |
Cakes and biscuits |
Flavoured milk drinks |
Soup mixes |
Cereals including baby cereals |
Flavourings |
Stock cubes |
Chocolate flavourings |
Gelato/sorbet |
Taco shells |
Chocolate nut spread |
Homemade bread mixes |
Textured/hydrolysed vegetable protein |
Chocolates and sweets |
Mayonnaise type dressings |
Vegetarian foods |
The following ingredients are made from soy but can be eaten by most people with soy allergy:
Soy lecithin (additive number 322) and soya bean oil.
Other legumes such as chickpeas, kidney beans and lentils are tolerated by most people that are allergic to soy.
Soy free bread alternatives:
Most breads are made with a starter containing soy. Options for soy free breads include:
- Home-made bread.
- Check your local baker, greengrocer, delicatessen or supermarket for soy free breads.
- Sourdough bread is usually soy free, but should be checked.
- Crumpets
- Many flat breads such as Lebanese or Indian bread, wraps, and mountain breads.
Soy milk substitutes
Instead of: |
Use: |
For a child less than 12 months of age: Soy infant formula. |
Breast milk or cow’s milk formula. If allergic to cow’s milk, a hydrolysed cow’s milk formula or amino acid formula. Rice, oat or nut-based drink is NOT suitable for a child <12 months. Speak with a clinical immunology/allergy specialist to choose the best milk for your child. |
For a child older than 12 months of age: Soy drink. |
Cow’s milk. If allergic to cow’s milk use rice or oat drink and choose one with at least 120 mg calcium/100 ml. If using these beverages, guidance from a dietitian is recommended. Speak with a clinical immunology/allergy specialist to choose the best milk alternative for your child. |
Soy yoghurt |
Cow’s milk yoghurt. |
Soy cheese, soy sour cream |
Cow’s milk cheese, and sour cream. |
Soy ice cream |
Cow’s milk ice cream, sorbet, gelato. |
The food lists included in this document are not exhaustive.
People with food allergy should check foods labels each time products are purchased.
© ASCIA 2019
ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.
ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, but are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations.
For more information go to www.allergy.org.au
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Updated October 2022