As a parent, finding somewhat “healthy” fast food for your children can be a challenge. For those with soy intolerances, the task can be especially harder.
Fast food may look yummy, but it turns out that many of the top chains use soybean oil to fry up their meals.
Not only is this cooking ingredient used for frying, but you might also find it in their bread due to its mass-producing convenience!
I know because my own son is allergic to it and it can be hard to find soy-free food that fits his dietary needs while also meeting our busy family’s lifestyle.
So here it is, some great options for soy-free fast food so you can feed your little ones (and yourself!) without worrying about allergies or compromising on nutrition in restaurants.
Disclosure: Please note that I do not condone eating fast food. This is based on my research only. Do not solely rely on my information below. Always double-check yourself before eating something that may or may not contain soy products. I do not gain any commissions by naming names.
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Why Do Fast Food Chains Use Soy Products For Their Food?
Soy products are easy to produce and store, so they make great cooking ingredients for fast food chains. Soy oil is also cheap when compared with other types of cooking oils, allowing them to save money on production costs.
Plus, soybean oil has a very high smoke point meaning it can be heated up quickly and used for many different types of cooking.
On top of that, soy lecithin helps keep the separation of the oil in a sauce, or marinade of any type of liquid.
Why Is Soy Products Can Give Allergies?
Soy products contain proteins (Gly m Bd 30) that can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals.
Source: Pubmed.gov
For those with a soy allergy, even the slightest contact with soy-based ingredients can trigger an allergic reaction, including hives, wheezing, difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat or face.
General Guidelines For Soy Allergy
When eating out at fast food chains, there are some guidelines to keep in mind.
Be mindful of condiments, sauces and toppings for your meal – these can often contain hidden sources of soy, so always check the ingredients list on the packaging.
Be wary of fried foods as many fast food chains use soybean oil for frying.
If in doubt, ask your server or restaurant about the cooking process or visit their website beforehand and check for an allergen menu.
Here Are Some Soy-Free fast Food Restaurants’ Options.
Chick-fil-A
One of my favourite places to find soy-free food is Chick-fil-A.
The chain offers several delicious options for people with soy allergies, including grilled chicken sandwiches, salads, and wraps.
If you’re looking for something more substantial than just a sandwich, you can always opt for one of their bigger meals like the 8-count nuggets meal or the grilled chicken club sandwich meal.
All of these meals come with sides such as fruit cups, yogurt parfaits, or side salads that are also free from soy ingredients.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Another great option to eat is Chipotle Mexican Grill. They offer several tasty burrito bowls and tacos that are free from soy ingredients, including carnitas tacos, steak burrito bowls, and barbacoa burrito bowls.
My kids love their kid’s quesadilla meal which comes with chips and guacamole (no added soy). And don’t forget to add a side of fresh salsa—it’s perfect for adding flavour to your meal without any extra allergens!
Panera Bread
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Panera Bread has plenty of delicious soups and salads that are completely free from soy ingredients.
Their broccoli cheddar soup is always a hit in our house! They also have some yummy sandwiches like the bacon turkey bravo sandwich or the roasted turkey fuji apple salad sandwich if you’re in need of something heartier.
Plus they have tons of sides like applesauce cups and Greek yogurt that make great additions to any meal without adding extra allergens!
Subway
Most of the bread and wraps here are also made with flour and not soybean oil. However, be careful with the sauces and condiments as some of them may contain soy.
In a Nutshell
Soy allergies don’t have to stand in the way of enjoying delicious fast food with your family!
With these easy tips and tricks, you can rest assured that everyone will get something yummy yet safe when eating out at restaurants.
So next time you head out looking for lunch or dinner options on the go — keep these places in mind — they won’t let you down!
Happy eating!
What is your favourite Fast Food Restaurant? Please Comment below.
