This article discusses the growing popularity of a vegetarian diet among children and young adults. There are an estimated 8 million vegetarians in the US, including children of vegetarians, or those who have decided to become vegetarian on their own.

An estimated 11% of girls age 13-17, are vegetarian, according to the American Dietetic Association.

A typical teenager requires about 15-20 grams of protein per meal, and soy and tofu products have protein, but not at the same levels as meat products. Consequently, according to this article, greater quantities of soy and tofu are required to meet the protein requirement, but the associated calories are higher.