Soy protein products are most often used by individuals who are trying to live healthy lifestyles. This is because these products contain large amounts of protein with very little fat, which is important in weight loss, body building, or simply maintaining good physical condition. There are numerous soy protein products on the market, including shakes, bars, meat substitutes, pastas, and cereals.
Drinkable shakes are increasingly popular soy protein products in the fitness industry. Protein is the most important building block of strong muscles, which is why those seeking to increase muscle mass need an easy way to ingest large amounts of it. Soy protein shakes are available in a variety of brands, and popular flavors, like strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate.
Another soy-based item that is produced primarily for the fitness industry is the protein bar. These, like shakes, also provide individuals with large amounts of protein, but in a form much like a candy or snack bar. Soy protein bars are generally available in the same flavors as traditional protein snacks, which can include peanut butter, chocolate, and caramel.
Soy protein is an essential nutrient for those who do not eat meat and are seeking plant-based protein. There are a variety of soy protein products used as meat substitutes. Two of these are tofu and tempeh. Tofu is the more popular of the two, and is derived from fermented soy milk. Tempeh, because it is made from the whole soybean, has more nutrients than other, similar products — like tofu, which are usually made only from soy milk. Both of these products are available in solid form, and can be marinated, or seasoned, and cooked as meat would be.
There are also other soy-based protein products, beyond the common shakes, bars, and meat substitutes. Soy pastas are now widely available for individuals seeking to increase protein intake. These noodles usually contain more protein and fewer carbohydrates than traditional pastas, which can aide those who are trying to lose weight or gain muscle.
Another product that has incorporated soy protein is cereal. Such soy-enhanced products are now available at health food stores and most grocery chains. Since soy protein has been added to the recipes, these products contain more protein than most traditional cereals. With the availability of these items, individuals looking for a high-protein breakfast have another low-fat option, in addition to the traditional egg.