Updated September 2024
Soy allergy is relatively uncommon compared with peanut, egg or milk allergy. Allergy to soy is most commonly seen in young children and most children with soy allergy will grow out of their allergy.
Research indicates that soy lecithin (additive number 322) and soybean oil is tolerated by most people with soy allergy.
Fully refined soy oil and soy derivatives (tocopherols and phytosterols) do not need to be labelled on food products in Australia. They have been assessed to be safe because they are processed in a way that makes them suitable for people with soy allergy. Soy lecithin must be listed on food labels in Australia.
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What foods and products contain soy?
Avoidance of soy is important if you have a soy allergy. It is important for people with soy allergy to read and understand food labels as soy is found in many foods and as an ingredient in products such as mayonnaise, soup mixes and bread.
Download our food allergen card to your phone or print and place on your refrigerator at home. This allergen card contains examples of the foods and products that may have soy.
REMEMBER: You cannot tell what ingredients foods contain by looking at them, smelling them or tasting them. ALWAYS read labels when eating packaged food and when eating out. ALWAYS tell people preparing and serving food you have a food allergy. ASK about food content after you have told them about your food allergy.
To make eating out a little easier, A&AA has developed a chef card. You can write or print your allergens on the card. When telling the wait staff at a cafe or restaurant about your allergies, hand over your chef card and ask it to come back with your specially prepared meal.
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