Soy nuts

Soy nuts are a healthier snack option than many other snacks. There are two types: deep-fried soy nuts and dry roasted soynuts. They are made from whole soybeans which have been soaked in water and then baked or roasted until crisp and brown. Soy nuts are similar in texture and flavour to peanuts, but are healthier as they contain far less fat and more protein than peanuts. Soy nuts are available in different flavours, such as salt or paprika. You can even find soy nuts covered with a layer of chocolate or joghurt! Soy nuts contain most of the nutrients of the whole soybean and consuming soy nuts is an easy way to get enough isoflavones.

Dry roasted soy nuts are very popular in Japan, where they play a role in celebrations of ritual purification. During the Bean Throwing Ceremony soy nuts (beans of good fortune) are placed in and then tossed through an open window into air. Each person picks a number of soy nuts equal to his or her age in years.

Availability of soy nuts

Soy nuts can be found in natural foods stores and some grocery stores. In Europe they are not that popular and therefore more difficult to find. But you can order them from online shops or make them at home.