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Industry data show soybean protein content is declining

Protein content of soybeans has declined almost 4% in last half-decade, nutritionist says, prompting greater reliance on alternatives.

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Courtesy United Soybean Board

Soybeans just aren’t worth what they used to be in terms of protein content.

Since 2013, soybeans have lost almost 4% of their protein content, according to the soybean checkoff-funded High Yield PLUS Quality program. Though traditionally thought to consist of 48-48.5% crude protein, soybean meal this year is measuring 46-46.5% protein, Borg said. Soybeans have also lost critical amino acid content.

Though this year is a particularly low year, Bart Borg, director of nutrition at Standard Nutrition Services, said the protein content of soybeans has declined steadily since at least 2013. The decline now appears to be a consistent trend, though average protein content varies from one year to a next.