Soy milk is a liquid food made from soybeans, typically prepared by soaking, grinding, and boiling the beans. It is one of the traditional breakfast beverages in China and other East Asian regions, and it has gradually gained popularity worldwide. The process of making soy milk is simple, yet it is highly nutritious and rich in protein. It is also lactose-free, making it an ideal alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a plant-based diet.
The basic process of making soy milk involves cleaning the soybeans and soaking them for several hours, usually 8 to 12 hours. After soaking, the beans are ground with water to create a slurry. The mixture is then boiled and filtered to remove the soy pulp, leaving behind the liquid—this is the finished soy milk. In traditional preparations, soy milk has a more natural taste with little to no added flavoring, though in some regions, sugar, salt, or spices are added to enhance the taste, resulting in either sweet or savory versions of soy milk.
Soy milk is not only smooth in texture but also packed with plant-based protein, B vitamins, minerals such as calcium and iron, and dietary fiber. It is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making it ideal for vegetarians and those seeking a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Compared to cow's milk, soy milk has a lower fat content and contains no saturated fat, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the isoflavones in soy milk have antioxidant properties and may have positive effects on hormonal balance, bone health, and more, particularly for women.
The ways of drinking soy milk and its flavors vary by region. In China, in addition to the traditional sweet and savory soy milk, it is commonly paired with "youtiao" (fried dough sticks) for a classic breakfast combination. Youtiao is a deep-fried pastry that, when paired with soy milk, creates a contrast between its crispy texture and the smoothness of the soy milk, making it a popular breakfast choice for many. In some areas, soy milk is also made with additional ingredients like peanuts, sesame, or red beans to create different flavors.
Beyond being a drink, soy milk is also used in cooking and as an ingredient in other foods. For example, soy milk can be made into tofu, which is produced by coagulating soy milk with a coagulant like magnesium chloride or gypsum and then pressing the resulting curds. Tofu has a rich texture and is a great source of protein, making it a key component of many vegetarian and vegan diets.
With the increasing interest in healthy eating and plant-based foods, the demand for soy milk has risen in recent years. In addition to traditional homemade soy milk, there are now many ready-to-drink soy milk products available on the market, catering to the fast-paced lifestyles of modern consumers. Moreover, soy milk is used in various processed foods, such as soy milk beverages, soy milk powder, and even soy milk ice cream, to meet the diverse needs of different consumers.
Soy milk is not only a traditional and healthy beverage but also serves as a versatile, nutritious option in many diets. It has become an integral part of daily life for many people, and on a global scale, soy milk is not only a cultural symbol but also a representative of modern health food trends.
