The terms “soy protein” and “soy protein isolate” refer to different forms of soy-derived protein with varying levels of processing and protein content. Soy protein is an all-encompassing term that includes any protein extracted from soybeans, including soy protein concentrate, texture soy protein, and soybean products like tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy curls, and miso. 

Soy protein isolate is a more processed form of soy protein made by separating the protein from other nutrients, including fiber, carbohydrates, and fats. This form typically contains at least 90% protein by weight. 

“Soy protein is a word that could describe anything from soy milk to tofu to miso and beyond,” says Gomer. “It’s used broadly to describe food made from soybeans. On the other hand, soy protein isolate is the isolated protein from the soybean that’s engineered to create a more highly concentrated form of protein.”