IFF secures first heart health claim for soy protein in Australia and New Zealand

The approval enables food and beverage manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand to link soy protein consumption with healthy blood cholesterol levels

IFF, a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences announced that a new heart health claim for isolated soy protein has been accepted by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). The approval enables food and beverage manufacturers in Australia and New Zealand to link soy protein consumption with healthy blood cholesterol levels.

“For decades, IFF has invested in the science behind soy protein and its role in supporting cardiovascular health,” said Tony Andrew, vice president of protein solutions for IFF Food Ingredients. “This approved claim validates years of rigorous research and collaboration. With our deep expertise in ingredient science, application and scale, we are well-positioned to help our customers translate this milestone into differentiated products that deliver on health, taste and sustainability.”

The claim is supported by a multi-year, cross-continental research collaboration backed by IFF, the Soy Nutrition Institute Global and the US Soybean Export Council, involving researchers from Australia and the University of Toronto. Under the new permission, foods formulated to help consumers achieve a daily intake of 20-25 grams of isolated soy protein, consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, may carry the heart health claim.

Isolated soy protein is a 90 per cent plant-based, high-quality, complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Its functional versatility makes it widely used in beverages, dairy alternatives, nutrition bars, snacks and plant-based foods — categories where consumers increasingly seek products that combine taste with clinically supported health benefits. This approval marks a significant milestone for plant-based nutrition, offering brands new opportunities to develop products positioned to support heart health.

“The clinical evidence supports a causal relationship between isolated soy protein consumption and improved blood lipids,” said Dr Alan Barclay, Lead Author, FSANZ submission. “With dyslipidemia affecting around 60 percent of Australian adults1 and many New Zealanders, daily consumption of soy protein offers a practical food-based nutrition strategy to help manage cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular risk.”

Australia and New Zealand join 11 other countries, including the US, Canada and Japan, that recognise the link between soy protein consumption and heart health. Backed by decades of research and innovation on the SOLAE SUPRO soy protein portfolio, IFF is working with food and beverage manufacturers across the region to develop next-generation products that combine nutrition science, functionality and consumer appeal.