What is textured soy protein?
Soybeans,
pulled into fiber.
Textured soy protein is soy protein that has been extruded — cooked and shaped under heat and pressure — until it forms long, fibrous strands with a hearty, chewy bite. It’s one of the most widely used plant proteins in kitchens and food plants.
Also called textured vegetable protein, soy chunks, or soy meat.
How it’s made
From soybean to fiber.
- 01
Start with soybeans
Non-GMO soybeans grown in the United States.
- 02
Press out the oil
The soybeans are pressed. No chemical solvents.
- 03
Extrude
Heat and pressure in an extruder line the protein up into long, layered fibers.
- 04
Cut into pieces
The fibers are cut into pieces, ready to cook.
How textured soy protein cooks
Three ways in.
Sear
Hot pan, a little oil, a few minutes a side until the edges brown and crisp.
Shred
Pull it apart along the fibers for tacos, wraps, sandwiches, and grain bowls.
Braise
Simmer in sauce or broth. The layered strands soak up flavor and keep their bite.
Try it in: soy tacos · stir-fries · curries · chili · BBQ sandwiches · dumpling and bun fillings · pasta sauces · fried rice · grain bowls
What is textured soy protein?
Soy protein that has been extruded (cooked and shaped under heat and pressure) into fibrous pieces with a hearty, chewy texture. It’s also called textured vegetable protein, soy chunks, or soy meat.
What is it made from?
Soybeans. Textured soy protein is made from soybeans after the oil is pressed out. Ours is made from non-GMO soybeans grown in the U.S.
Is it vegan?
Yes. Textured soy protein is made from soybeans, with no animal ingredients. It contains soy.
What does it taste like?
On its own it has a mild soy flavor and a hearty, chewy bite. It takes on whatever seasoning, sauce, or marinade you cook it with.
How do you cook it?
Sear it in a hot pan until the edges brown, shred it along the fibers for tacos and wraps, or simmer it in sauce or broth so it soaks up flavor.
Is it the same as soy chunks or soy meat?
Yes. Soy chunks, soy meat, and mock meat are common names for textured soy protein. In Chinese it’s called 素肉 (sù ròu).
How is it different from tofu skin?
Tofu skin is the thin film lifted from heated soy milk. Textured soy protein is soy protein extruded into long, layered fibers. Both come from soybeans, and we make both. What is tofu skin?
Where will Soja Foods textured soy protein be made?
In Kaplan, Louisiana, using non-GMO soybeans grown in the United States. Pilot production is planned for 2027.