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Processed soybean protein products are divided into three categories based on protein content: soy flour, concentrates, and isolates. These three types of proteins are considered the starting materials for soy protein products. In some instances these materials may be processed further before they are incorporated into a food product.
Soy Flour 
Soy flour is made from roasted soybeans ground into a fine powder and contains 50 percent protein. Soy flour comes in three forms: natural or full-fat, defatted, and lecithinated. Natural or full-fat contains natural oils found in the soybean. Defatted has the oils removed during processing. Lecithinated has lecithin added. Soy flour is gluten-free, so yeast-raised breads made with soy flour are dense in texture. Soy grits are similar to soy flour except that the soybeans have been toasted and cracked into coarse pieces. (more...)
Soy Concentrates
Concentrates come from defatted soy flakes and contains 70 percent protein. It is a highly digestible source of amino acids and retains most of the beans' dietary fiber. (more...)
Soy Isolates
When protein is removed from defatted flakes the result is soy protein isolate, the most highly refined soy protein. Containing 90 percent protein, isolates possess the greatest amount of protein of all soy products. They are a highly digestible source of amino acids and because of the bland taste can be added to foods without jeopardizing flavor or characteristics. (more...)
Textured Soy Protein (TSP)
Textured soy protein (TSP) usually refers to products made from textured soy flour and textured soy protein concentrates. It is used as a meat extender or analog and can be added to a meal to increase its protein content. TSP has a texture similar to ground beef or other meat products and must be rehydrated with boiling water before use. (more...)
Textured soy flour is made by running defatted soy flour through an extrusion cooker, which allows for many different forms and sizes. It contains 50 percent protein as well as the dietary fiber and soluble carbohydrates from the soybean. When hydrated, it has a chewy texture. It is widely used as a meat extender. Often referred to as textured soy protein, textured soy flour is sold dried in granular and chunk style and is bland in flavor.
Textured soy protein concentrates are made by extrusion and are found in many different forms and sizes. Textured soy protein concentrates contain 70 percent protein as well as the dietary fiber from the soybean. When hydrated, they have a chewy texture and contribute to the texture of meat products.

| Uses of Soy Protein in Food |
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Meat Food Products
Emulsified meats
Coarsely-chopped meats
Canned meats
Whole muscle meats
Poultry products
Seafood products
Analogs
Pet foods
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Dairy-Type Products
Beverage powders
Cheeses
Coffee whiteners
Frozen desserts
Whipped toppings
Infant formulas
Milk replacers for young animals |
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Bakery Products - Cereals - Pasta
Bread and rolls
Specialty breads
Cakes and cake mixes
Doughnuts
Breakfast Cereals
Pasta Products
Miscellaneous Baking Applications
(sweet rolls, cookies, pastry, crackers,
snacks, pancakes, etc.)
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Miscellaneous Foods
Soups, gravies, sauces
Candies, confections, desserts
Oriental foods
Pet foods |
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| Other Uses of Soy Protein |
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Industrial Uses
Adhesives
Asphalt Emulsions
Binders - Wood Resin
Cleansing Materials
Cosmetics
Inks
Leather Substitutes
Paints - Water-based
Paper coating
Pesticides/Fungicides
Plastics
Polyesters
Textile fibers
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Nutraceutical Applications
Fermentation Aids
Nutrients
Edible Films and Coatings |
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