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Your child has been recommended to try a soya-free diet.
Labelling
By law any manufactured food in the UK or entering the EU containing soya, must be highlighted on the ingredients list.
Loose, Unwrapped or Unpackaged Food
Any food sold loose, unwrapped or unpacked may be at risk of cross contamination. Information about ingredients must be available at the point of purchase. You may need to ask if the information is not displayed.
Manufactured Foods
When you buy any tinned, packet or other processed foods, the list of ingredients should always be checked. If the food contains soya this should be clearly shown.
Soya is present in foods in many different forms. Soya derivatives are listed below and any foods containing these ingredients should be avoided:
|
Soya, Soy |
Soya Margarine |
|
Soya Bean |
Soya Bean Curd (tofu) |
|
Lecithin (E322) |
Soya Milk |
|
Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein |
Soya Flour |
|
Soya Derived Additives (E471, E472) |
Soya Sauce |
Soya Oil
Soya oil has had the protein removed which is the part which causes the allergic reactions. Soya oil is therefore highly unlikely to cause a reaction.
Unrefined soya oil may contain small amounts of soya protein so should always be avoided.
Foods Likely to Contain Soya
- Bread - soya protein is added to most flour used to make bread in the UK
- Texturized vegetable protein (TVP)
- Vegetable burgers and sausages
- Tempeh
- Tamari
- Miso
- Pre-packaged Chinese meals
- Chinese takeaway foods, oyster sauce
- Soya milk, yogurts and desserts
- Edamame beans
- Soya ice cream
‘May Contain’ Labels
Some food labels say, ‘may contain soya’. This means that although soya is not deliberately added to the food, the manufacturers cannot guarantee that the product does not contain small amounts of them. If your child has a soya allergy, these food products should be avoided.
Supermarkets may be able to provide you with lists of their own brand foods which are soya free.
Soya Challenge
Many children grow out of intolerances as they get older. Your doctor or dietitian will suggest that soya is re-introduced into your child’s diet at some stage and will provide you with the necessary instructions.
If there is a possibility that your child may react severely, it will be recommended that the challenge is given under hospital supervision. Some children require a life-long soya free diet.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Dietetics service.
About this information
Service:
Dietetics
Reference:
DT/131
Approval date:
1 June 2026
Review date:
1 June 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.