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One topic readers ask us about the most is soy. There’s a lot of concern around the safety of eating this globally ubiquitous crop and the foods that contain it. Soy protein isolate is an extremely protein-dense product formed by removing all of the fiber and fat from soybeans. Due to its highly processed nature, many people question the healthfulness of soy isolate.
Below, registered dietitian Jennifer Husson helps us understand how this food can impact our health.
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Listen up,
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |
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Written by Ginger Wojcik
February 3, 2026 • 2.5 min read |
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| Q: |
Should I be concerned about soy isolate? |
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| A: |
Soy protein isolate (SPI) is a highly concentrated form of protein extracted from soybeans. Its neutral flavor makes it great for boosting protein in shakes and protein bars, dairy-free products, and meat substitutions.
SPI powder is made by washing defatted soybean flakes with either water or alcohol to extract and eliminate sugars and fiber. The resulting material is then dehydrated and ground into a powder that is at least 90% protein.
SPI is a complete protein, supplying all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an ideal source of the nutrients necessary for muscle repair and growth. It can be an especially convenient, high quality option for boosting protein consumption, particularly for people following a plant-based diet.
While SPI is a highly processed product lacking the fiber found in whole soybeans (like tofu or edamame), it’s considered safe for most people to consume. Extensive research confirms that moderate soy consumption is safe and that isoflavones (a compound that can mimic the effects of estrogen) do not disrupt hormones or increase cancer risk.
Unless you have a soy allergy, including SPI as part of a balanced diet is generally considered both safe and advantageous.
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| Jennifer Husson, Registered Dietitian
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| Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.)
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| What we’re digesting |
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