Soya vs. Soy: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Soya and soy refer to the same plant or its derivatives, with "soya" more common in British English and "soy" in American English.
Key Differences
"Soya" is the term predominantly used in British English to refer to the leguminous plant and its products. "Soy" is the American English equivalent, used in the United States and often in international contexts.
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Nov 30, 2023
In the UK, products like soya milk and soya sauce are common terms. In the US, these are typically referred to as soy milk and soy sauce, reflecting the linguistic preferences.
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Nov 30, 2023
Both words have the same origin, derived from the Japanese "shoyu" (soy sauce), but their usage varies regionally. "Soya" has been more adopted in British-influenced regions, while "soy" is prevalent in American-influenced areas.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 30, 2023
In product labeling and marketing, "soya" is often used in countries following British English standards. Conversely, "soy" appears more on labels and in advertising in the United States and countries using American English.
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Nov 30, 2023
While both terms are universally understood in the context of food and agriculture, "soy" is more globally recognized, partly due to the influence of American media and corporations.
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Nov 30, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Linguistic Preference
Preferred in British English.
Preferred in American English.
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Nov 30, 2023
Regional Popularity
More common in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
More common in the US and internationally.
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Nov 30, 2023
Product Labeling
Labeled as "soya" in British-influenced regions.
Labeled as "soy" in American-influenced areas.
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Nov 30, 2023
Global Recognition
Recognized but less globally dominant.
More widely recognized globally.
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Nov 30, 2023
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Soya and Soy Definitions
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Soya
Erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers; extensively cultivated for food and forage and soil improvement but especially for its nutritious oil-rich seeds; native to Asia
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Oct 19, 2023
Soy
A common East Asian liquid sauce, made by subjecting boiled beans to long fermentation and then long digestion in salt and water.
I like a little soy with my rice.
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Oct 19, 2023
Soy
Soybeans, or the protein derived from them.
These candles are made from soy.
The soy crop is looking good this year.
This diet doesn't let me eat soy.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Soy
A Chinese and Japanese liquid sauce for fish, etc., made by subjecting boiled beans (esp. soybeans), or beans and meal, to long fermentation and then long digestion in salt and water.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Soy
Erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers; extensively cultivated for food and forage and soil improvement but especially for its nutritious oil-rich seeds; native to Asia
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is soy sauce called soya sauce in the UK?
Yes, it's commonly referred to as soya sauce.
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Nov 30, 2023
Why do British people say "soya"?
It's the preferred term in British English.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can I find soya products in the US?
Yes, but they're often labeled as soy products.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is soya milk popular in the US?
Yes, but it's more commonly known as soy milk.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is there a difference in taste between soya and soy products?
No, the difference is purely linguistic.
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Nov 30, 2023
Do nutrition labels vary between soya and soy?
Only in terminology; the nutritional content is the same.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is soy sauce an essential ingredient in Asian cooking?
Yes, it's a staple condiment in many Asian cuisines.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are soya and soy the same thing?
Yes, they refer to the same plant and its derivatives.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are soya beans different from soybeans?
They are the same; the naming differs regionally.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are soy products genetically modified?
Some soy products are, but it varies by brand and region.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is soya used in animal feed?
Yes, soya is a common component in animal feed.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is there a difference in the production of soya and soy?
No, the production process is the same.
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Nov 30, 2023
Is soy lecithin the same as soya lecithin?
Yes, they are the same product with different names.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can people with lactose intolerance consume soya/soy milk?
Yes, both are popular lactose-free alternatives to dairy milk.
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Nov 30, 2023
Do soya products have health benefits?
Yes, they are known for being rich in protein and other nutrients.
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Nov 30, 2023
Do soya and soy have environmental impacts?
Yes, like all agriculture, they have environmental footprints.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are soy-based products vegan?
Most soy products are vegan, but it's best to check labels.
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Nov 30, 2023
Are soy candles different from soya candles?
No, the difference is only in the name.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can soya cause allergies?
Yes, some people are allergic to soya/soy products.
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Nov 30, 2023
Can soya be used in gluten-free diets?
Yes, but check for cross-contamination in processing.
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Nov 30, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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Hifza Nasir
