JEFFERSON CITY — April is National Soy Foods Month, and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) is celebrating the benefits of soy foods by hosting two events to highlight this powerhouse commodity. Soy foods range from traditional soy-based foods like tofu, edamame and miso to well-known products including soy milk, soy nutrition bars and soy-based meat alternatives to soybean oil, which is used as both an ingredient and in food preparation.
To recognize the national holiday, MSMC is providing free soy lattes to consumers surrounding the state’s Capitol on April 3-7, 2023. Locals can receive their free caffeine at Yanis Coffee Zone, located in downtown Jefferson City.
Additionally, the organization will host a food truck event on April 14 at the Center for Soy Innovation from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Food trucks will serve up a delicious menu highlighting dishes such as tacos and pizza, incorporating soy-based ingredients including high oleic soybean oil, edamame, soy sauce and more.
“National Soy Foods Month is a monthlong educational campaign to tout the versatility of our state’s beans, and we hope consumers join us in our efforts to highlight the many soy products,” said Aaron Porter, MSMC chairman. “Bringing together the community for this event allows us to continue shedding light on the many benefits of U.S. Soy and highlights Missouri soybean farmers’ commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable protein for people to enjoy.”
U.S. Soy feeds the need for protein, essential fats and other nutritional building blocks as nutritious food for consumers. Soy is an important source of a complete plant-based protein, providing all nine of the essential amino acids necessary for a healthy diet. In addition, soy is a source of folate, potassium and fiber. Soybean oil has heart-health benefits and earned an FDA heart health-qualified claim in 2018.
“U.S. soybean growers are committed to supplying safe ingredients that provide a dependable supply of food for global communities that consumers can trust,” said Porter.
To learn more information about Missouri Soybeans and recipes that include soybeans, visit mosoy.org and subscribe to Missouri Soybeans’ publication, the Missouri Soybean Farmer.