TASTE- Soy Milk

The Skinny- First developed in China, soy milk is a dairy milk alternative made from soy beans. Traditional soy milk, a stable emulsion of oil, water and protein, is simply an aqueous extract of whole soybeans. The liquid is produced by soaking dry soybeans, and grinding them with water. Soy milk contains about the same proportion of protein as cow's milk~ around 3.5%; also 2% fat, and 2.9% carbohydrate.

Soy milk is promoted as a healthy alternative to cow's milk for reasons including:

• Source of lecithin and vitamin E
• Lacks casein
• It is safe for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergy
• Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are good for the heart.
• Contains isoflavones, organic chemicals that may possibly be beneficial to health.

The Verdict- Originally only found in people's diets who were lactose intolerant or on the fringe (i.e. outcasted vegans), soy milk has gained popularity, as its availability has grown to where you can substitute it for milk at your local Starbuck's. In my experience, I've found soy milk (particularly Silk's Low-Fat Vanilla Soymilk) to be better tasting than regular milk in my morning cereal and with some tea. Soy milk also has the advantage of being more environmentally friendly as soy is more ecologically sound and renewable than farm factory dairy production. Matched with it's health benefits and delicious taste, we say you give a half gallon a try and see if you're on board.