Does a soy allergy card include soy sauce?

It should. Soy sauce is the most common restaurant source. Name it explicitly so it is not treated as a tofu-only request.

What about soybean oil?

Follow your allergist. If you need to avoid it, put soybean oil on the card. If you do not, say so, or kitchens may refuse fried food you could eat.

Can I combine soy with peanut or sesame?

Generate one card per allergen, or add a custom note. For travel, two short cards are often easier for staff to read than one crowded paragraph.

Allergen card

Free soy allergy card

A soy allergy card should name soy sauce, tofu, soybean oil when relevant, and marinades, then ask about shared woks.

How to use this card

Soy is in more savory restaurant food than almost any other allergen. Soy sauce, tofu, edamame, miso, tempeh, and many “house marinades” are obvious. Vegetable oil blends, broth, and vegetarian meat substitutes are easier to miss.

Be specific about soy sauce. Many kitchens hear “soy allergy” and still brush the steak with soy-based marinade because they think soy means tofu. The card should name soy sauce, miso, and tofu together.

If your allergist has told you soybean oil in highly refined form is acceptable, say what you actually need to avoid. A card that bans every oil can leave you with nothing on the menu; a card that only says “no tofu” can miss the sauce.

Where soy shows up

Soy sauce and marinades

Steaks, salmon, stir-fries, and “house glaze” are often soy-based even at American restaurants.

Broth and soup

Miso, vegetarian stock, and ramen bases can include soy even when the topping does not.

Vegetarian proteins

Impossible-style patties, tofu, tempeh, and some veggie crumbles are soy.

Shared woks

A wok sauced with soy will season the next dish. Ask for a clean pan and no sauce unless confirmed.

Questions about this card

Does a soy allergy card include soy sauce?: It should. Soy sauce is the most common restaurant source. Name it explicitly so it is not treated as a tofu-only request.
What about soybean oil?: Follow your allergist. If you need to avoid it, put soybean oil on the card. If you do not, say so, or kitchens may refuse fried food you could eat.
Can I combine soy with peanut or sesame?: Generate one card per allergen, or add a custom note. For travel, two short cards are often easier for staff to read than one crowded paragraph.

A card helps you communicate. It does not guarantee a meal is free from an allergen. Confirm ingredients, preparation, and cross-contact with restaurant staff, and follow the emergency plan from your healthcare professional.