Soy has staying power as healthy option

By Sarah Hills
Latest news headlines

23-Sep-2008 -

Consumers in the US are increasingly turning to soy as a healthy choice as they constantly change their eating habits to improve nutrition, according to a study from the United Soybean Board.

Soy is popular for its potential health benefits and versatility and 85 percent of consumers view soy as healthy, the survey showed. This is an increase of 26 percentage points compared to 1997.

The 2008 Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition survey, which is the 15th annual research study sponsored by the USB, also shows that a growing number of consumers specifically seek out soy foods to aid in weight management and promote heart health as well as to reduce the risk of some cancers.

Meanwhile food companies are taking note. According to the Mintel Global New Products Database, between 2000 and 2007 more than 2,700 new foods with soy as an ingredient were introduced in the US. This includes 161 new products last year alone.

The USB report describes soy as “a promising long-term phenomenon” and states: “Turning to soy protein, the ongoing trend toward healthy, versatile foods and an increase in offerings at mainstream grocery stores has promoted the increase of trial and awareness of soy foods and beverages.

“In 1997, 18 percent of consumers surveyed had tried soymilk. Today, this number has more than doubled to 40 percent, and consumption of other soy foods such as edamame and tofu are also on the rise.”

Consumers also continue to recognize soybean oil, commonly labeled as vegetable oil, as one of the healthiest cooking oils. It is relatively low in saturated fat, contains no cholesterol and zero grams of trans fat, which have been linked to health risks as diverse as cardiovascular disease and prostate cancer.

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