Soy protein isolate & Diabetes
Glycemic data not available for this food. Glycemic load of 0 per 100g.
✅ Nutrition data verified · GL 0/100g · GI 38.8 · TIER 3 ⚠️ GI: Subcategory Estimate
GI estimated from food subcategory average — not directly tested on this food. [1] [3]
Blood Sugar Response
Nutrition Profile
What Makes This Version Different
This version carries the most sodium in the Soy protein isolate group: 1005 mg per 100g, about 3.2 times the family average (spread 3 to 1005 mg per 100g). This version carries the most saturated fat in the Soy protein isolate group: 0.4 per 100g, about 7 times the family average (spread 0.1 to 0.4 per 100g).
Verdicts split across the family: the gentlest option is Produced by alcohol extraction (GL 7.7) and the heaviest is Produced by alcohol extraction (GL 7.7); this one is no verdict. See the numbers side by side: Produced by alcohol extraction, Potassium type, Produced by acid wash.
What to Watch For
⚠️ High Sodium
Soy protein isolate provides 285mg of sodium per serving — significant relative to the ADA's daily recommendation of <2,300mg. High sodium intake can raise blood pressure, compounding cardiovascular risk in diabetes. If you eat this food, balance it with lower-sodium choices throughout the rest of the day.
ADA recommends <2,300mg sodium per day for most adults with diabetes. Diabetes Care, 47(Suppl 1), 2024.
Worth Comparing
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GL 0/100g — Low GL
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Chicken, meatless & diabetes →🫘 HOUSE FOODS Premium Firm Tofu
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HOUSE FOODS Premium Firm Tofu & diabetes →🫘 Vitasoy USA Organic Nasoya, Soft Tofu
GL 0.1/100g — Low GL
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Vitasoy USA Organic Nasoya, Soft Tofu & diabetes →🫘 Vitasoy USA Azumaya, Silken Tofu
GL 0.1/100g — Low GL
Rated diabetes-friendly — lower glycemic impact than your current selection.
Vitasoy USA Azumaya, Silken Tofu & diabetes →More Legumes and Legume Products to Compare
Glycemic Load by Serving Size
| Portion | Weight | Carbs | Glycemic Load | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ½ Serving | 14g | 0.0g | 0.0 | High |
| Standard Serving | 28g | 0.0g | 0.0 | High |
| Restaurant Portion | 57g | 0.0g | 0.0 | High |
GL ≤10 = Low (Friendly) · 11–19 = Moderate · ≥20 = High (Limit).
The page-level verdict is based on GL per 100g; this table shows how portion size changes the actual GL you get.
Common Questions
Is Soy protein isolate good for diabetes?
Soy protein isolate should be limited for diabetics. A GL of 0 is firmly in the high range. If it's a food you love, try reducing the portion dramatically or swapping for a lower-GL version.
What is the glycemic load of Soy protein isolate?
Soy protein isolate has a glycemic load of 0 per 100g. A standard serving (1 oz (28g), 28.4g) delivers a GL of 0. GI data from Sydney University GI Database (Atkinson et al., 2021).
How quickly does Soy protein isolate raise blood sugar?
With only 0g of fiber per 100g, Soy protein isolate's GL of 0 means the blood sugar impact is low. The carbohydrates digest and absorb quickly. Pairing with protein and high-fiber foods can help slow absorption.
Is the GI value accurate?
The GI of 38.8 for Soy protein isolate is estimated (Tier 3), not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. It is based on the weighted average GI of foods in the Legumes and Legume Products category from the International GI Tables (Atkinson et al., 2021). Actual GI may vary by variety, ripeness, cooking method, and individual response. We display estimated values with full transparency so you can make informed decisions.
Is the sodium level a concern?
Soy protein isolate contains 285mg of sodium per serving — approaching the ADA's recommendation of <2,300mg daily. High sodium intake can raise blood pressure, compounding cardiovascular risk — the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. If you eat this food, balance it with lower-sodium choices during the rest of the day. Fresh herbs, spices, and citrus can replace salt as flavoring.
Why is there no glycemic data for this food?
Glycemic index (GI) data is not available for Soy protein isolate because it has not been tested using ISO-standard methodology. This is common for mixed dishes, restaurant foods, and specialty items where the GI varies too much by preparation to assign a single number. Instead, use the total carbohydrates (0g/100g) and fiber (0g/100g) to estimate blood sugar impact. Higher fiber and lower total carbs generally mean a more manageable glucose response.
Where This Data Comes From
Data Tier: TIER 3 — estimated from category average
Glycemic Index (GI): 38.8 — subcategory_avg:Legumes and Legume Products. Source: International GI Tables (Atkinson, Brand-Miller et al., Diabetes Care, 2021). University of Sydney GI Research Service.
GL (per serving, 28.4g) = 0 × 28.4 ÷ 100 = 0.0
Nutrition Data: USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy Release (April 2018). FDC ID: 174276. Data are in the public domain (CC0 1.0).
GL Classification: ≤10 = Low (Low GL), 11–19 = Moderate (Eat in Moderation), ≥20 = High (Limit). Based on University of Sydney Glycemic Index Foundation classification.
⚠️ GI value is estimated, not directly ISO-tested on this specific food. Actual GI may vary by variety, cooking method, and individual glycemic response.
Cite this page: GlycemicWise. “Soy protein isolate — Glycemic Load & Diabetes Reference.” GlycemicWise, July 2026. https://glycemicwise.com/foods/soy-protein-isolate/
Dietary reference — not medical advice. This page provides evidence-based dietary reference information for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual blood sugar responses vary significantly. Always check your blood glucose to understand your personal response to foods, and talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before changing your diet. Data sources are cited above and publicly available from the USDA and the University of Sydney Glycemic Index Research Service.