How To Choose The Best Soy Milk For You

Following increasing concern for our health and the environment, many of us have begun to incorporate plant-based alternative options into our diet. From fake-meat patties to tofu scrambled eggs, there are lots of delicious and nutritious products out there.

One of the most common dietary substitutes comes in the form of plant-based milk. Regular cow’s milk is quite high in saturated fat and is not a good option for those who have cholesterol problems or are lactose intolerant. Plant-based milks not only offer many of the nutritional benefits of traditional cow’s milk but are far better for the environment, producing less greenhouse gases and reducing our carbon footprint.

Soy milk is by far the oldest and arguably most popular of these milk alternatives. Derived from the soy-bean that is found in East Asia, the mild, creamy flavour produced by soy milk makes it favoured choice by baristas and grocery shoppers alike.

There are many different brands and types of soy milk available on the market and with that in mind, keep reading to discover what to consider when choosing the best soy milk for you.

Flavoured vs unflavoured

Soy milk has quite a mild flavour, which most people find quite pleasant. In its natural state it is not particularly sweet, which has led to some companies producing sweetened and flavoured versions of the drink.

If you are drinking soy milk for health reasons, it’s important to note that the sweetened form of the drink will have added sugar which may counteract some of the positive benefits.

However sweetened and flavoured soy milk can make a fantastic addition to recipes, particularly smoothies and milkshakes. Soy milk can come in chocolate and vanilla flavours, which complements these sweet drinks perfectly.

Dietary requirements

It’s always important to consider your own dietary requirements and those of the people you may be cooking for. Soy milk is an excellent ingredient as it is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant and vegan.

It is also generally nut-free however you should always check the product packaging.

Some soy milks made in Australia are also suitable for those on a low FODMAP diet however it is advised that you do your research before making a purchase as not all have been tested for these sugars.

Further options

If soy isn’t for you, never fear! There are a wide variety of plant-based milk options available in shops and cafes today.

With its creamy texture and delicious nutty flavour, almond milk is an excellent option should you be looking for a plant-based alternative in your morning coffee. Almond milk is very popular, which means that most baristas should have access to it and know how to create the perfect froth.

Coconut, rice and oat milk are all further, popular options that you might wish to explore.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the wide variety of soy milk options available today. In order to reap the wide-ranging benefits from making the switch to soy, doing your research and test-trying a couple of different brands will go a long way to ensuring you pick the best soy milk for you.