Does Nutri Contain Protein? Decoding the Nutritional Facts of Soya Chunks

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that 100 grams of dry soya chunks, often known as 'Nutri' or by the brand name 'Nutrela', can contain over 50 grams of protein, positioning it as one of the most protein-dense plant-based foods available? This article explores this impressive nutritional profile and clarifies the facts around the question: does nutri contain protein?

Quick Summary

Nutri, popularly known as soya chunks, is an exceptionally rich source of high-quality, plant-based protein derived from defatted soy flour. It is a low-fat, cholesterol-free meat substitute that provides significant dietary fiber, essential minerals like iron and calcium, and other health benefits when consumed in moderation.

Key Points

High Protein Source: Nutri, referring to soya chunks, is exceptionally high in protein, with over 50% protein by weight in its dry form.
Made from Soy Flour: Soya chunks are a textured vegetable protein created from defatted soy flour, a byproduct of soybean oil extraction.
Versatile Meat Substitute: Due to its high protein and chewy texture when rehydrated, Nutri is a popular and effective vegetarian alternative to meat.
Low in Fat and High in Fiber: This food product is cholesterol-free, very low in fat, and rich in dietary fiber, aiding in weight management and digestion.
Requires Rehydration: Dry soya chunks must be soaked in hot water for about 15-20 minutes to become soft and spongy before being added to dishes.
Consume in Moderation: While nutritious, overconsumption can lead to digestive issues, and some sensitive individuals should be mindful of its phytoestrogen content.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Beyond protein, soya chunks are a good source of iron, calcium, and B vitamins, contributing to overall health.

What Exactly is "Nutri"?

To answer the question, "Does nutri contain protein?" one must first understand what 'nutri' refers to in this context. While 'nutri' is a generic term often referring to nutrition, it is most commonly associated with a specific food product: soya chunks, also known as textured vegetable protein (TVP). Brands like Nutrela have made this product popular. Soya chunks are a byproduct of soybean oil extraction. The defatted soy flour that remains is processed into a porous form that softens when rehydrated, essentially becoming concentrated soy protein.

The Impressive Protein Profile of Soya Chunks

Soya chunks are a significant source of protein, especially for those following plant-based diets. Dry soya chunks can contain up to 52 grams of protein per 100 grams. After soaking, a cup can still provide around 30g of protein.

More Than Just Protein: The Full Nutritional Value

Beyond its high protein content, soya chunks offer other important nutrients:

Low Fat and Cholesterol-Free: Being made from defatted soy flour, soya chunks are low in fat and contain no cholesterol. This makes them a suitable alternative to meat for heart-conscious diets.
High in Dietary Fibre: The fiber content in soya chunks aids digestion, helps manage blood sugar, and contributes to feeling full, which can assist with weight management.
Essential Micronutrients: Soya chunks are often fortified with iron, calcium, and B vitamins, supporting various bodily functions including oxygen transport, bone health, and energy metabolism.

How Soya Chunks Compare to Other "Nutri" Products

The term "nutri" can cause confusion as it's used in other products like Kellogg's Nutri-Grain cereal, which has a different nutritional profile, being primarily carbohydrate-based. Soya chunks are a concentrated protein source. The following table highlights the differences in nutritional content per 100g:


Feature	Soya Chunks (Dry)	Nutri-Grain Cereal	Chicken Breast (Cooked)
Protein	52g	21.8g	~32g
Carbohydrates	33g	65.2g	0g
Fat	0.5g	3.0g	~3.5g
Dietary Fibre	13g	5.3g	0g
Source	Defatted Soy Flour	Corn, Oats, Wheat	Animal Meat
Cholesterol	0mg	0mg	~85mg

How to Incorporate High-Protein Nutri (Soya Chunks) into Your Diet

Soya chunks are versatile and need to be rehydrated before use by soaking in hot water and squeezing out the excess liquid. They absorb flavors well and have a meat-like texture, making them suitable for:

Adding to curries and gravies.
Including in stir-fries and salads.
Making vegetarian snacks or appetizers.
Mixing into biryanis and rice dishes.

Moderation and Misconceptions

Moderate consumption of soya chunks is key. Excessive intake can potentially cause digestive issues. While there have been concerns about phytoestrogens in soy, these are often overstated, and moderate intake (around 20-30 grams dry weight daily) is generally considered safe. Individuals with specific health conditions should consult a nutritionist. For balanced protein intake, consider resources like the British Nutrition Foundation.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, nutri, specifically referring to soya chunks, is an excellent source of protein. Made from defatted soy flour, it is a high-protein, low-fat, and fiber-rich plant-based food. Its versatility and nutritional profile make it a valuable addition to many diets, particularly as a meat substitute. Consuming it in moderation allows individuals to benefit from its nutritional advantages as part of a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutri, in this context, refers to soya chunks, which are made from defatted soy flour. This flour is the residue left after extracting oil from soybeans and is then processed into a fibrous, meat-like texture.

Soy is considered a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. This makes soya chunks a highly valuable protein for vegetarians and vegans.

According to nutritional facts for brands like Nutrela, 100 grams of dry soya granules contain an impressive 52 grams of protein, making it one of the most concentrated plant-based protein sources.

Yes, you can eat soya chunks daily, but it is best to do so in moderation to avoid potential digestive issues like bloating or gas. A daily intake of 20-30 grams (dry weight) is generally considered safe and beneficial.

Some concerns about soy's phytoestrogens affecting hormones, particularly in men, are largely unsubstantiated or exaggerated. Consuming soya chunks in recommended moderate amounts is generally safe and does not cause hormonal imbalances.

Yes, the term 'Nutri' is also used in other branded products, like Kellogg's Nutri-Grain cereal. While this cereal does contain protein from its multigrain base, its protein content is significantly lower than soya chunks, and its nutritional profile is different.

First, soak the dry soya chunks in hot water for 15-20 minutes until they become soft and spongy. Then, squeeze out the excess water before adding them to curries, stir-fries, salads, or biryanis.