Media Contact: Linda Funk
Executive Director
The Soyfoods Council
515.491.8636
Ankeny, Iowa, January 23, 2024—This Valentine’s Day, serve feel-good, better-for-
you recipes, thanks to The Soyfoods Council’s wide selection of easy, family friendly ideas for
meals, snacks and entertaining.
Read the label. Soyfoods wear their heart on their sleeve, and there’s plenty to love
about them. When you choose soyfoods made with verified sustainably grown U.S. soy, you’re
keeping personal health as well as the health of the planet in mind. According to Innova Market
Insights, shoppers say they are influenced to purchase foods produced with innovative farming
practices by the belief that these foods are better for the planet, more natural, and offer a
reduction of health risks. Approximately 95% of U.S. soy farmers follow the U.S. Soy
Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP).
Soyfoods support nutrition trends by offering affordable, high-quality plant protein.
Soy is a complete protein that provides all the essential amino acids in the amounts needed for
health, without the large amount of saturated fat that typically comes with animal sources of
protein. One cup of soymilk, for example, provides 7 to 8 grams of cholesterol-free complete
protein. One cup of silken tofu offers approximately 8 grams of protein. Soybean oil (commonly
labeled as vegetable oil) is a versatile ingredient to keep on hand for dressings, sauces, frying,
sautéing and baking. Soybean oil has been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to use a qualified health claim linking it to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
Enjoy soy and create the following easy, memorable soyfoods-inspired dishes to share
for Valentine’s Day.
Make shareable dips with tofu. Easy does it for cozy entertaining with appetizers
like Sundried Tomato Tofu Dip made in a blender. All you need are 8 oz. of soft tofu, a package
of softened cream cheese and a package of Ranch seasoning dressing mix. Stir in chopped
sundried tomatoes, dried onion, and garlic powder. Cover and chill for an hour and serve with
vegetable dippers or crackers.
Pair pasta and tofu to feed a family, small gatherings, or for a romantic dinner
for two. On Valentine’s Day, you want to spend time with those who matter to you, not in the
kitchen. That’s why Easy Stuffed Shells are a good main course choice. The luxurious filling for
one box of large, cooked pasta shells features soft silken tofu. Combine the tofu with 2 cups of
shredded mozzarella, ¾ cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg and 2 Tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
If desired, add 2 cups of ground beef, chicken, turkey or pork to the mixture. You’ll need a 26-
oz. jar of your favorite pasta sauce. Arrange shells in a baking dish atop a bit of the sauce, then
pour remaining sauce over the stuffed shells. Cover with foil and bake for about 45 minutes.
Discover why chocolate and soy are a loving couple. What could be simpler than a
three-ingredient pie filling that can be served in a ready-made chocolate cookie crumb pie crust
or spooned into parfait glasses? Chocolate Peanut Butter Tofu Tarts feature a package of
fortified silken tofu, ½ cup creamy peanut butter, and ½ cup melted semisweet chocolate chips.
Add about 2 Tablespoons of soymilk, or more if needed, until the filling reaches a spreadable
consistency. Serve chilled.
For detailed recipes from The Soyfoods Council, visit the website at
www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com. You’ll also find cooking tips and updates on soyfoods and your
health.
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About soyfoods and sustainability: Sustainability is a soy tradition. U. S. soybean farmers have
been practicing sustainable agriculture methods for decades. Currently, 95% of U.S. soy growers
are committed to sustainable farming practices and partner with the USDA to implement
conservation programs. Soyfoods may play a significant role as a source of protein that
minimally contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in comparison to other protein
sources.
About the Soyfoods Council: The Soyfoods Council is a non-profit organization, created and
funded by Iowa soybean farmers, providing a complete resource to increase awareness of
soyfoods, educate and inform media, healthcare professionals, consumers and the retail and
foodservice markets about the many benefits of Soyfoods.