Overview
About Soybeans
Whole soybeans (the mature bean, distinct from tofu, edamame or soy milk) are high in galacto-oligosaccharides, the GOS FODMAP, and they carry the highest possible nickel rating, making them one of the strongest dietary nickel sources for anyone with systemic nickel allergy.
Soy is also one of the major food allergens and a recognised eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) trigger, so whole soybeans can be a problem on both a gut-FODMAP and an immune level.
Sensitivities
How Soybeans scores
Watch for
What trips people up
- High in galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), so whole soybeans ferment in the gut and cause bloating and wind in FODMAP-sensitive people
- Highest nickel rating, a real concern for systemic nickel allergy since soy is among the most nickel-dense foods
- A major food allergen and a common eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) trigger, so soy is one of the foods removed on an EoE elimination diet
- High in lectins when raw or undercooked; soybeans must be thoroughly cooked
Diet fit
Where it fits
Swap ideas
More alternatives
FAQ
Common questions about Soybeans
Are whole soybeans high in nickel?
Yes. Soybeans carry the highest nickel rating of common foods, so they are usually restricted on a low-nickel diet for systemic nickel allergy. Nickel-safe swaps include rice, quinoa and sorghum, which are all low in nickel and also low in the GOS FODMAP that soy is high in.
Is soy an EoE trigger?
Soy is one of the common triggers removed in eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) elimination diets, alongside dairy, wheat, egg, nuts and seafood. It is also a major IgE food allergen. That is separate from the digestive bloating soy can cause through its GOS FODMAP content.
References
Read the background
Ratings reflect the Triggerbites ingredient database and may vary with portion size and preparation.