Soybean, (Glycine max), also called soja bean or soya bean,  annual legume of the pea family (Fabaceae) and its edible seed. The soybean is economically the most important bean in the world, providing vegetable protein for millions of people and ingredients for hundreds of chemical products. The soybean is one of the richest and cheapest sources of protein and is a staple in the diets of people and animals in numerous parts of the world.

The seed contains 17 percent oil and 63 percent meal, 50 percent of which is protein. Because soybeans contain no starch, they are a good source of protein for diabetics. The usage of soybeans ranges from the animal food industry over human consumption to non-food products. The highest percentage of soybeans goes to the animal feed industry. The product portfolio intended for human consumption include products such as soy milk, soy flour or tofu.