Soy

Soy products contain at least fifteen proteins, and it is not clear if allergic reactions are caused by one or more of these proteins or by yet other components of soybeans. A great many prepared foods contain soy products, so it is necessary to read ingredient labels carefully. The emulsifier lecithin is used in many products, including chocolate, and may not be identified as derived from soybeans. However, soy products are not essential ingredients in most formulas, so avoiding them does not pose great problems, as long as bakers are attentive to ingredient labels.