Next up in our milk comparison series is soy milk:
Traditional soy milk is made by soaking and grinding soybeans, boiling and then filtering the mixture. It’s plant based, and like cow’s milk, is a good source of high biological value protein (in this case around 6-7g/250mL cup). Like most milks these days, soy comes in a variety of fat contents, and depending on the brand, also contains ingredients like emulsifiers, stabilisers, flavours and sweeteners to improve texture and increase palatability (so it’s a good idea to check out the ingredients and nutrition panel if this is your milk of choice).
A bonus of soy milk – it comes with natural plant phytonutrients that can be beneficial for bone and heart health. If you’ve heard negative press about soy and health, you may like to know that systemic nutrition reviews have concluded there is no cause for alarm or avoidance of soy foods in the diet – even for those with hormone responsive breast cancer. Once again, don’t believe everything you hear on the internet, when it comes to soy and health.
On the calcium front, it’s important to know that soybeans are NOT naturally a good source. Look for a product that’s been fortified with calcium, to provide similar amounts to dairy (at least 100mg calcium per 100mL - this will be evident on the nutrition panel). Despite it being naturally lactose free, some people can be allergic or intolerant to soy protein or the natural sugars in soy beans, meaning that this milk is not necessarily going to suit everyone.
Still haven’t found your milk of choice? Stay tuned for the wrap on more milk alternatives over the coming days.
