Bianca Gusti
Alejandro Ahuage-Arnaiz
Pablo Velasco
Uno Sanguansin
Loyola Marymount University
Jeff Thies
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Soy Yo gets its soy from farms that use regenerative methods. This is a big step forward in sustainability because they get their materials from regenerative farms in Tijuana run by local Mexican farmers. The product doesn't have any artificial flavors or preservatives, and its supply chain is clean and sustainable. Sabi, the CEO, has used a creative approach to advertising to keep the company growing and continue to market this new idea of helping local farmers and offering a clean product. She has worked with other healthy brands, like Solidcore, where she held a pop-up event for people to try the chorizo after a workout and learn about how she helped come up with the idea of getting your protein from sustainable sources: products that are grown in a way that helps local farms. The main goal of Soy Yo is to keep growing their business in a way that makes customers happy and keeps going by getting their ingredients in a way that is good for the environment.
The idea behind Soy Yo was straightforward yet impactful: to turn a cuisine with traditional significance into something that promotes human health and the environment. The founder discovered that Soyyo, which she had initially developed as an internal component for a pizza restaurant, naturally matched the growing demand for clean-label, chemical-free foods. A more profound issue was raised by this openness to possibility: If the product is already healthier, why not make its agricultural roots healthier as well? Soy Yo investigated regenerative agriculture as the next phase of its development as a result of this way of thinking. The founder's love of innovation, genuineness, and education, she even taught herself FDA procedures, made the shift to regenerative sourcing seem like a logical continuation of the brand's goal of transforming a tasty dish into one that also benefits the environment.
Sabina quotes "SoYo represents an overall system of health foods that make you feel good — clean label, sustainable, and something fresh you can consume.” The goal of Soy Yo has always been to satisfy the demands of health-conscious consumers, including families looking for cleaner solutions devoid of artificial flavors, gums, fillers, and preservatives, as well as curious eaters and young adults. The team discovered that these same customers were very concerned about the origins of materials as they gained more insight into their target market. This inspired Soy Yo to investigate purchasing soy from regenerative farms, where techniques like cover crops and no-till farming support the brand's commitment to providing fresh, healthy, and satisfying food.
Making the switch to regenerative soy sources could have a revolutionary effect on the environment. The origin of Soy Yo's primary ingredient is part of a broader climate solution because regenerative farms restore soil health, boost biodiversity, and naturally trap carbon. Soy Yo can establish a fully traceable supply chain that enhances rather than depletes ecosystems by working with transparent, organic producers in areas like León and, eventually, with small growers in Mexico who employ regenerative techniques. This change, from merely being vegan to regenerative, strengthens the brand's environmental leadership in the plant-based food sector and is a significant move that enhances the product's integrity and environmental impact. In terms of how the idea came to life, it was simple, Sabina said: "The idea was something that landed in my path… I saw the opportunity to make an ingredient that was used internally in my dad’s pizza restaurants and have it sold commercially in Mexico and in the United States.”
The goal of Soy Yo has always been to satisfy the demands of health-conscious consumers, including families looking for cleaner solutions devoid of artificial flavors, gums, fillers, and preservatives, as well as curious eaters and young adults. Sabina, the CEO, said that her chorizo is " much lighter than your typical chorizo...it's something that I communicate and it's one of the things that has kind of given me the most positive feedback". The team also discovered that these same customers were very concerned about the origins of materials as they gained more insight into their target market. This inspired Soy Yo to investigate purchasing soy from regenerative farms, where techniques like cover crops and no-till farming support the brand's commitment to providing fresh, healthy, and satisfying food.
By providing a clean-label, plant-based chorizo manufactured from soy protein that is devoid of gums, fillers, chemical preservatives, and seed oils, Soy Yo fills this need. Sabina says “Out of 30 chorizo brands, mine has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio and the most authentic flavor… that’s a strength and a win for the business.” With its deep, authentic flavor and excellent protein-to-calorie ratio, Soy Yo provides a healthier option that respects the cultural significance of chorizo. Beyond the product itself, the company is promoting sustainability by investigating regenerative soy procurement and collaborating with transparent, organic suppliers to guarantee moral, ecologically beneficial farming methods. No-till techniques, cover crops, and varied crop rotation are examples of regenerative farming techniques that improve soil health, lower carbon emissions, and boost biodiversity. Soy Yo's mission is in line with a number of UN Sustainable Development Goals, such as SDG 13 (Climate Action) through sustainable sourcing practices; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting clean-label ingredients and potential regenerative agriculture; and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through clean, nutritious food.
Soy Yo’s innovation delivers meaningful benefits to both society and the environment through its commitment to regenerative agriculture, clean ingredients, and community-centered sourcing. By partnering with regenerative farms in Tijuana operated by local Mexican farmers, Soy Yo supports farming practices that restore soil health, improve biodiversity, and reduce environmental degradation. Sabina further adds that, “All of my products are ethically and sustainably sourced, and the soybeans are also sourced from a very transparent company in León. All of my produce is organic and from companies with very clear supply chains.” This approach goes beyond traditional sustainability by actively improving the land while strengthening local agricultural communities and providing farmers with stable economic opportunities.
Environmentally, Soy Yo’s clean supply chain and plant-based product significantly lower the environmental footprint compared to traditional meat-based chorizo. The product contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or unnecessary fillers, reducing chemical pollution and promoting responsible food production. Its plant-based protein also contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced land use, and decreased water consumption relative to animal-based alternatives.
Socially, Soy Yo promotes healthier eating by offering a high-protein, low-calorie, and clean-label alternative that empowers consumers to make better choices for their bodies and the planet. Through creative brand activations, such as collaborations with fitness studios like Solidcore, CEO Sabina connects sustainable nutrition to active, health-conscious lifestyles while educating consumers about the importance of sourcing ingredients from regenerative farms. Together, these practices reflect Soy Yo’s broader mission: to grow a successful business that makes customers feel good, supports local farmers, and protects the environment for future generations.
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Soy Yo is a plant-based food company based in Tijuana, Mexico that produces clean-label soy chorizo made without artificial flavors, preservatives, gums, or fillers. The brand focuses on delivering authentic Mexican flavor in a healthier, protein-rich form that appeals to both traditional and wellness-oriented consumers. Founded by Sabi, Soy Yo has grown through creative branding, community pop-ups, and collaborations with health-focused companies. Their mission is to offer delicious, accessible plant-based products while maintaining high standards of ingredient quality and transparency.
