Soy milk facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Soya milk | ||||||
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| Place of origin | China | ||||||
| Invented | a. 1365 | ||||||
| 33 kcal (138 kJ) | |||||||
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Soy milk, also called soymilk or soya milk, is a popular drink made from plants. It comes from soybeans. To make it, soybeans are soaked in water, ground up, and then boiled. After boiling, the solid bits are filtered out. What's left is a smooth, creamy drink.
Soy milk is a mix of oil, water, and protein. It was first made as a natural side product when people made tofu. In the last half of the 1900s, soy milk became very common in Europe and North America. New ways of making it helped it taste more like regular dairy milk.
Many people drink soy milk as a replacement for dairy milk. This includes people who are vegan (meaning they don't eat animal products) or those who have lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance means their bodies can't easily digest the sugar in dairy milk. Others choose soy milk for health reasons or to help the environment.
Contents
What is Soy Milk?
Soy milk is a drink that looks a lot like cow's milk. But it is made from plants, not animals. It is a good choice for people who want to avoid dairy. It has a mild, slightly nutty taste. You can find it plain, sweetened, or with different flavors like vanilla or chocolate.
How is Soy Milk Made?
Making soy milk is a simple process. It starts with dry soybeans.
- First, the soybeans are soaked in water for several hours. This makes them soft.
- Next, the soaked beans are ground up with more water. This creates a thick liquid.
- Then, this liquid is boiled. Boiling helps to cook the beans and remove any raw taste.
- Finally, the mixture is filtered. This removes the solid parts of the beans. The smooth liquid that remains is soy milk.
Why People Drink Soy Milk
Many people choose soy milk for different reasons.
- For Health: Soy milk is often low in saturated fat. It has plant-based protein. Some brands add vitamins like D and B12, and calcium.
- Lactose Intolerance: People who cannot digest lactose in dairy milk can drink soy milk. It does not contain lactose.
- Vegan Diet: Vegans do not eat any animal products. Soy milk is a great dairy-free option for them.
- Environmental Reasons: Producing plant-based milks often uses less water and land. It also creates fewer greenhouse gases than dairy milk.
History of Soy Milk
Soy milk has a long history. It was first made in China. People believe it was created over 2,000 years ago. It was a common drink in Asia for centuries. It became popular in Western countries much later. This happened in the 20th century. New ways of making it taste better helped it spread around the world.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Soy milk soup with salt and vinegar, along with vegetables and wontons
See also
In Spanish: Leche de soja para niños
