In addition, demand never ceases to changing. As a result, soybean prices can vary substantially from day to day. Ironically, futures markets are perceived for their volatility, but, in reality, provide the mechanism to ensure fairly consistent pricing of soybeans and soy products. The price of cooking oil, for example, does not rise or fall to the degree of prices for unprocessed soybeans. Whole soybean products are especially appreciated in Asia and among natural-food devotees in Europe and the United States.
Soybeans provide the basis for low fat sources of protein such as tofu, miso, and soymilk.
Soybean oil remains the most widely used edible oil in the United States, with consumption exceeding that of all other fats and oils combined. It is a major ingredient in cooking oil, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, and shortening. Lecithin is a natural emulsifier derived from soybean oil and, without it, chocolate would separate from cocoa butter and spoil many sweet moments. Soybean meal is the dominant protein supplement used in U.S. livestock and poultry feeds. Soy products are also used to make baby food, diet-food products, beer and ale, and noodles.