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Soy Flour and Soy Grits

What are they?

Soy flour and soy grits are ground soy ingredients made from dehulled soybeans. Soy flour is finely milled for smooth integration into doughs, batters, and blends, while soy grits offer a coarser texture that works well in structured systems. Both ingredients provide protein, emulsification, water absorption, and browning benefits. 

They’re available in natural, enzyme-active, toasted, and organic formats, each offering different functional strengths depending on the application. Whether you're improving dough handling, enhancing texture, or adding protein, soy flour and soy grits are versatile staples designed to work across a wide range of product categories. 

Soy flour is a high-protein ingredient made from roasted soybeans that have been ground into a fine powder with a minimum of 50% protein. Soy grits and soy flakes are not as finely ground as soy flour but are used in similar ways.  They are versatile ingredients that can be used in a variety of food products, from baked goods to meat substitutes. Their high protein content and mild flavour make them a popular choice for enhancing the nutritional profile of various foods. Soy flour, soy grits and soy flakes are rich in high-quality plant protein, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals such as B-vitamins, iron, and phosphorus, and isoflavones which are compounds that may have various health benefits.

Textured soy flour, soy grits and soy flakes, also known as textured vegetable protein, are a processed product made from defatted soy flour. The process involves heating the soy flour under pressure, causing it to expand and take on a texture similar to that of ground meat. This unique texture, combined with its high protein content, makes textured soy flour an excellent meat substitute in a variety of dishes. Textured soy flour, soy grits and soy flakes are high in quality plant protein, low in fat, and contain no cholesterol.

Looking for options with higher protein concentration? Blendtek carries a range of soy proteins.

Where are they used?

Soy flour, soy grits and soy flakes are commonly used in:

  • Baking: to improve the texture of baked goods and increase their protein content.
  • Meat products: used as a filler or binder in products like sausages and burgers.
  • Alternative dairy products: used to make soy milk and other dairy alternatives.
  • Bars: to  improve nutritional profile with protein
  • Snacks, soups, and sauces: to improve the nutritional profile and texture as well as improve dispersion and emulsification

Textured soy flour has its own set of applications:

  • Meat substitutes: due to its texture, it's often used in vegetarian and vegan products as a meat substitute.
  • Meat products: a cost-effective way to maintain product quality despite volatile animal protein costs
  • Prepared foods: It can be added to foods to increase their protein content or reduce cost by replacing meat

 

Soy flour and soy grits show up in more places than you might expect. Here’s how they fit into different categories: 

Bakery – Used in breads, muffins, cakes, tortillas, and snacks for improved water absorption, consistent crumb, and better browning. Soy flour enhances dough strength and supports protein claims in highprotein bakery formats. 

Meat – Supporting water binding, emulsification, and yield in patties, meatballs, sausages, and deli-style products. Soy grits provide body and bite, while soy flour improves cohesion and helps maintain juiciness during cooking. 

Confectionery – Used in chocolates, bars, and coatings to improve texture, stabilize fat systems, and add protein without disrupting flavor. Toasted soy flour adds a subtle nutty note that pairs well with sweet profiles. 

Prepared Foods – Added to soups, sauces, seasonings, and ready meals to enhance viscosity, improve mouthfeel, and support cost-effective protein fortification. 

Plant Based – A core ingredient in plant-based meats, doughs, and mixes. Soy flour supports binding and structure, while soy grits help create a firmer, more textured bite. Both pair well with pea, wheat, or fava protein for balanced systems. 

Organic – Available in certified organic formats for brands focused on clean-label and sustainable ingredient stories. 

 

Variations & Selection Criteria

Soy flour can be defatted or full fat, enzymatically treated, or heat treated. It can be lecithinated to improve solubility and dispersion. Soy flour, soy grits and soy flakes are available in different particle sizes and textured soy flour is available in different shapes and sizes such as minced or flaked. Textured products can also be coloured with caramel colour to look more like beef. Products are available in conventional, non-GMO, and organic versions. 

  • Format 
    • Soy Flour: available as natural, toasted, or enzyme-active depending on functional needs 
    • Soy Grits: coarse, medium, or fine cuts for varied texture and hydration levels 
  • Protein level
    Typically 45–50% protein per 100 g, depending on format and processing method. 
  • Functionality needs 
    • Enzyme-active soy flour for dough conditioning 
    • Toasted soy flour for flavor and improved digestibility 
    • Grits for structure and bite in meat and plant-based systems 
  • Flavor profile
    Neutral to lightly toasted notes; select grades for lower beany character when needed. 
  • Allergens
    Contains soy; we will align with your allergen management and labeling guidelines. 
  • Packaging
    Bags, totes, or custom formats to match your batching requirements. 
  • Quantity
    We’ll review minimum order quantities and scaling needs to fit your production plan. 
  • Certifications
    Blendtek is SQF certified, Kosher certified, and Organic certified. Ask about available organic and non-GMO formats. 

 

Conclusion

Soy flour and soy grits offer dependable functionality and protein enrichment across bakery, meat, confectionery, prepared foods, and plant-based categories. Blendtek partners with you to select the right format, refine processing, and build custom blends that match your texture, flavor, and label goals. 

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