Products that are made out of soybeans are packed with high amounts of protein and a full amino acid profile which makes them effective protein alternatives for vegetarians. The soy products that include soy milk, tofu and soy meats are considered as healthy sources of protein that can be easily added in the diet. Even though the dangers of eating expired soy products are not as severe as those linked with meat, expired soy products have their own risks that you should be well aware of.
Soy milk
Just like with the dairy-based milk products, soy milk has a relatively short refrigerator life once opened. It is fresh for 7-10 days after opening but the cartons will start to bloat once they start to expire. The bloating originates from the gas produced by bacteria and mold feeding on the milk, causing changes in the color where some smell sour and appear lumpy.
The indications that soy milk is expired are similar to dairy milk. The consumption of soy milk that is expired will lead to reactions comparable to those linked with consuming expired milk. Even though the side effects are not severe, drinking expired soy milk can lead to symptoms of food poisoning such as diarrhea, stomach upset as well as nausea and vomiting. If you want to learn how to manage food poisoning, click here.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce is commonly used in East Asian cuisine and known for its rich, dark texture and salty flavor. Due to its high salt content, soy sauce has a longer shelf life than other soy products. If a bottle of soy sauce is unopened, it can last for years without spoiling. The lifespan is reduced to three months once it is opened. There are no dangers if expired soy sauce is used.
Soy meats
The soy-based replacements have taste and texture similar to meat. These are substitutes for almost any meat products. They are also fortified with minerals similar to those present in meat products and most are often made with wheat as the binding agent.
When checking if the soy meat is expired, check if the texture is slimy and smells sour. These indicate that mold is growing on the soy meat. Due to their wheat content, the danger of consuming expired soy meats can be serious than other soy products. Even though rare, the presence of mold can lead to serious digestive issues along with long-lasting symptoms similar to food poisoning.
Soybeans and edamame
It is important to note that edamame is a Japanese snack that is created by boiling and salting entire pods of fresh soybeans. Just like with other fresh vegetables, legumes and beans, edamame has a short refrigerator life.
Once it is expired, an indication is a change in color and texture with bruising as well as the development of a light fur on the surface which indicates that mold is present. Even though dry soybeans only become soft and have poor taste once expired, eating raw soybeans that are expired can cause symptoms of mild food poisoning similar to those linked with drinking expired soy milk. Even though these are uncommon, the individual should not eat soybeans if you suspect that they are already expired.