nonsoy

Nonsoy is a term used in consumer food labeling to indicate that a product contains no soy or soy-derived ingredients. It is not a formal regulatory category in many jurisdictions, but it is widely used to help consumers who have soy allergies or who wish to avoid soy for dietary reasons. Nonsoy products may include foods, beverages, supplements, and pet foods.

Ingredients and labeling rely primarily on the ingredient list. Common soy-derived ingredients to avoid include soybeans, soy protein isolates, soy lecithin, soybean oil, hydrolyzed soy protein, and textured vegetable protein, as well as sauces and flavorings that may contain soy. Because soy is pervasive in processed foods, some items labeled nonsoy may still carry a risk of cross-contamination if produced in facilities that handle soy. Some brands pursue dedicated facilities or cleaning protocols, and some use third‑party allergen-free certifications.

Allergen considerations are central to nonsoy labeling. Soy allergy is a recognized condition; individuals with this allergy should still scrutinize labels for partial ingredients, processing aids, and "natural flavors" that could be derived from soy. Nonsoy does not automatically indicate freedom from all soy derivatives.

Regulation and standards vary by region. In the United States, soy is one of the major food allergens that must be disclosed; nonsoy claims are voluntary and not uniformly certified. In the European Union, soy is also an allergen that must be listed, though nonsoy labeling depends on national rules and certifications.

See also: soy allergy, allergen labeling, soy-free diet.