Today, as health drinks are increasingly valued around the world, soy milk is gradually gaining a place in the market with its unique nutritional value and diverse uses. This soy-based plant-based beverage is not only a healthy alternative to milk, but is also popular among consumers for its sustainable production methods and multiple health benefits. In this article, you'll learn more about the history of soy milk, its nutritional content, and how it has become a part of today's food culture.
The soy milk process originated in China and gradually entered the European and North American markets in the second half of the 20th century, especially as production technology improved, making its taste and consistency more and more similar to dairy products.
Soybean milk has a long history, with the earliest record dating back to the Eastern Han Dynasty in China. In ancient times, this drink was widely used as an intermediate product of tofu and continued to be valued in different dynasties. By the 19th century, street vendors were selling the drink, which was served with traditional foods such as fried dough sticks at breakfast time. With the development of science and technology, industrial production has enabled soy milk to enter the market in a way that better meets the needs of modern people.
The process of making soy milk is relatively simple. First, the soybeans are soaked in water, then ground, heated to boiling, and undissolved solids are filtered out, resulting in a rich, white liquid. During the production process, you can add sugar, seasoning, and even supplement trace nutrients according to personal preference to make it more diversified.
Each 253 ml cup of unsweetened soy milk contains about 80 calories and provides 7 grams of protein, 4 grams of fat and 4 grams of carbohydrates. Soy milk contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, B complex and D, and is rich in calcium and magnesium, making it an important part of a healthy diet.
As demand for plant-based beverages increases, soy milk has become the second most popular plant-based milk in the world by 2019.
With its wide applicability, soy milk has found a place in many countries and food cultures. In addition to being used as a milk substitute, it is also a raw material for making tofu, plant-based yogurt, beverages and other secondary products. In recent years, in response to changes in market demand, many businesses have begun to launch sweetened soy milk with different flavors to attract more consumers.
Choosing soy milk instead of traditional cow's milk will put less pressure on the environment. Milk production requires a lot of water and feed, and soybeans can effectively improve the nitrogen content of the soil. While the environmental impact of soy farming cannot be ignored, choosing soy milk as a daily beverage is a big step towards a more sustainable diet.
ConclusionFaced with the current health trend and environmental protection needs, soy milk has undoubtedly become a new favorite among global consumers with its unique nutritional value and sustainable production methods. With the advancement of technology and the changes in food culture, soy milk will be a popular choice in the future beverage market. In this context, have you considered adding soy milk to your diet?