More and more people are cutting meat out of their diet, or, at least testing the waters by cutting down their intake.
The reasons to go meatless are as various as the dietary alternatives available—there’s financial incentive (meat is expensive), environmental reasons (meat is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions), and health (a diet high in certain kinds of meat can be less-than-great for our health), to name a few.
Whatever the reason, one of the biggest concerns vocalized by those considering making the jump is: How do I get enough protein?
But most vegetarians will tell you that protein really isn’t an issue, especially if eggs and dairy are still on the table. Things get a bit more complex for strict vegans, but lentils and beans provide a good dose of protein.
And then there’s soy. It’s less expensive than meat and has more protein than milk or eggs. It’s also totally plant-based, making it a pretty solid option for folks of all dietary ilk.
That being said, there are some concerns about soy products. Tofu and soy milk, for instance, contain hormones which can be problematic if consumed in large amounts, especially for women and people with existing thyroid conditions.
Tempeh, on the other hand, is fermented and widely considered quite healthy. So really, it comes down to researching what brands and products are best for you.
And overall it seems like any concerns about the health impact of soy consumption are overshadowed by the perceived benefits. And the enthusiasm for soy is showing up in market projections. In 2015, the global soy food market was estimated to be worth $39.9 billion, and by 2020, it’s expected to reach a value of $54.5 billion, according to a new report from Technavio.
Soy foods, nutritional information
There are a few key vendors in the market that really stand to gain from the soy food fervor. ADM, Cargill, Hain Celestial, and WhiteWave Foods are the prominent vendors here, whose operations are bringing soy in its many iterations out of specialty stores and into the hands of a wider consumer base.
And in a new report on the global soy food market, Technavio analysts identify an additional 13 companies in the business of making tempeh, tofu, soy protein, soy milk and more.
Blue Diamond Growers
Founded in 1910, Blue Diamond Growers is one of the leading manufacturers of soy food products. It also specializes in almond products sourced from over 3,500 almond growers in the country.
Dean Foods
This US-based foods and beverages company was founded in 1925. In 2009, Dean Foods acquired Alpro, a European soy products company. Other than the US and the UK, it has manufacturing plants in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands.
Earth’s Own Food Company
Based in Vancouver, Canada, the company was founded in 1995. It was originally called Soyaworld and was renamed in 2011. The company produces and distributes brands including So Good, So Nice, Almond Fresh, and Cashew Fresh.
Eden Foods
The company was founded in 1968 and is based in Clinton, Michigan. It offers products such as canned foods, soy sauce, and extra virgin olive oil.
Freedom Foods Group
This Australia-based company produces and distributes soy yogurts, beverages, dips, and vegetarian soy-based foods and other natural foods.
Harvest Innovations
This US-based company manufactures low-fat soy flour and concentrates and textured proteins such as soy nuggets and chips. It’s a leader in the Hexane-free soy-processing segment and delivers high-quality non-GMO and organic soy products.
House Foods America Holding
Founded in 1980, this US-based company manufactures soy food products such as soy sausages and soy tacos. In 2012, the company acquired El Burrito, a leading soy taco products manufacturer.
Living Harvest
The company was founded in 2012 and is based in Portland, Oregon, US. It manufactures hemp-based food and nutrition products, including Tempt brand hemp milk and non-dairy frozen desserts. The company sells its products through natural food and grocery stores across the US.
Panos Brands
This US-based company produces premium, authentic, organic, and specialty foods. Some of its product offerings are Soy Kaas and Better Than Milk.
Pinnacle Foods
Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered in New Jersey, US, and employs over 4,000 people. It manufactures soy-based protein derived from GMO-free soy. It also manufactures frozen foods, condiments, and packaged meat.
Scoular
Scoular is one of the largest protein manufacturers in the world. It specializes in marine proteins, pea proteins, quinoa, Sacha Inchi protein, and soy and wheat proteins.
Stremick’s Heritage Foods
Stremick’s produces and sells dairy products. It also offers organic milk, soy milk, and refrigerated beverages. Soy Dream is the top brand in the soy segment.
Tofurky
Founded in 1985 in the US, Tofurky is a family-owned and -operated company. The company specializes in the manufacture of soy products. All its products are vegan and kosher and are made with organic soybeans and organic tofu.
