Most supermarkets now carry tofu and a variety of meat analogs made from soybeans. Often these are located in a special natural foods section, but increasingly there are brands that are on the regular shelves. Ask your grocer to help you locate what you are looking for. Stores can also order a product for you if their distributor carries it. A natural foods store will usually have a wide variety of soy products in stock, as will Asian groceries. In general, this is where you will find things:
Whole soybeans
Fresh green soybeans are sometimes found in the freezer section of a natural foods or Asian market, and may seasonally be found in the produce section. Dried soybeans are available packaged or in bulk where you buy natural foods, although you may need to purchase black soybeans through a mail order supplier. Canned soybeans, both yellow and black, are available at natural foods stores.
Tofu
Regular tofu is kept refrigerated, often in the produce section. You may find aseptically packaged tofu there also, or it may be on the shelves with the natural foods.
Tempeh
This will be frozen or refrigerated, usually with natural foods products. Read the label to see if you are getting soy tempeh or one with grains added. Marinated tempeh is also available.
TSP
TSP flakes or granules can be purchased in bulk or sometimes in packages. If you buy a package, read the label to see if you are getting pure TSP or if seasonings have been added. Chunks and larger sizes of TSP are available only by mail order.
Soy milk
Soy milk is usually in aseptic cartons on the shelf in the natural foods section. Refrigerated cartons of soy milk may be found in the refrigerated section of a natural foods store or grocery, sometimes in a special area and occasionally with dairy milk.
Soy flour
Defatted soy flour may be purchased from a bulk bin or in a package. Packaged soy flour may be toasted, although the label may not say so. This is fine for most uses, but not for making soy milk. Full-fat soy flour should be in the refrigerated section of the store.
Soy grits
These may be purchased in bulk or packaged, usually in a natural foods store. They may be on a shelf with hot breakfast cereals or with whole-grain flours.
Soy oil
This is sold with other cooking oils in the grocery store. Many vegetable oils are soy oil; read the label if you are not certain.
Miso
Miso is sold refrigerated, usually in a natural foods store. Sometimes it comes in a plastic tub, sometimes in a container much like a plastic bag. Dry packages of miso are sometimes available on the shelf, but their flavor is not the same as regular miso.
Soy nut butter
This comes in a container like peanut butter. Look for it in a natural foods store near the other nut and seed butters, like peanut butter or tahini, or next to other soy products.
Meat analogs
There are many varieties of these and they can be found in various places. Some brands are carried by supermarkets and can be found in the freezer section or on the shelves. Other brands are found only in natural foods stores or the natural foods section of the supermarket. If you are interested in a specific product, ask your grocer.
Manufacturers
If you are looking for a particular brand, you can call the manufacturer to find out what stores near you carry their products. Many manufacturers have toll-free phone numbers. You can find phone numbers and other information about soyfood manufacturers at the U.S. Soyfoods Directory.
Mail Order
Many soy products are available by mail order; some are available only through mail order. Listed below are a few catalogs that carry soy products:
Dixie Diners' Club 800-233-3668
The Bean Bag Mail Order Company 510-839-8988
The Mail Order Catalog 800-695-2241