Non-dairy milk alternatives have taken the world by storm in recent years. It seems like there’s a new option popping up every week, from rice milk to hemp milk.

All this choice can make it difficult for consumers to pick a favourite type of plant-based milk, let alone a favourite brand.

Fortunately, we’ve made things easy for you, with a list of top tips for finding the best soy milk.

Flavour
Generally speaking, soy milk is known for its mild and creamy flavour. It is usually sweeter than other popular milk alternatives and does not necessarily have the gritty aftertaste of other non-dairy options, such as oat milk.

However, this certainly varies from brand to brand. If you don’t enjoy the taste of one particular soy milk product, that doesn’t mean you won’t like another. You should look to sample as many brands as possible until you find one that suits your taste palette.

You should also consider what you are using your soy milk for. In the case of recipes that are particularly light, the taste of soy may be more likely to dominate the entire meal. If you are making your morning coffee with particularly strong beans, you are less likely to be concerned about the taste of your accompanying soy milk.

Frothability
Coffee is the gateway through which many of us are introduced to non-dairy milk alternatives. However, not all plant based milks behave the same way when exposed to heat.

While dairy milk has a relatively high boiling point — meaning it is easy to get that delicious, creamy froth that so many of us crave — that is not necessarily the case with all brands of soy milk.

The best soy milk is one that will remain cohesive when exposed to high temperatures. That means it won’t split and it’s flavour profile won’t be affected. Next time you are down at your local cafe, check with the barista which soy milk they prefer to work with. That should give you a hint as to which brand you should pick up at the local supermarket!

Reputation
As is the case with any type of food product, it doesn’t hurt to do your research before making a purchase.

Check for reviews online and ask family and friends about their favourite brands of soy milk. There is a lot of information out there — use it to your advantage!

Nutritional value
Soy milk is packed full of valuable vitamins, minerals, and nutrients — particularly when compared to other plant-based options. In fact, soy milk is considered to be the closest match to regular dairy milk when it comes to overall nutritional profile.

Soy milk is an excellent source of protein, as it contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also full of healthy fats — monounsaturated and polyunsaturated varieties. The best soy milk will also be fortified with additional vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B-12.

Availability
Of course, there’s no use settling on your favourite soy milk product, only to find that it’s not available online, at your local supermarket or health-food store.

These days, the popularity of soy milk means that shouldn’t be a problem. But be sure to check on the availability of different brands before falling in love with any one product!

Satisfying soy milk dishes
Here is a recipe you might want to use to test out different soy milk products!

Dairy-free Mac and Cheese
Lactose free? No worries! You can still enjoy your favourite cheesy meal. Serves 4.

Ingredients:
● 250g dried macaroni pasta
● 250g broccoli, trimmed
● 20g Nuttalex
● 2 tbsp plain flour
● 2 cups soy milk
● 100g soy cheese, grated
● 100g bacon, cooked and diced
● 4 spring onions, diced
● Fresh parsley, to serve

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Grease a large baking dish.
3. Heat a large saucepan with boiling water and add to dried macaroni. Cook according to packet instructions.
4. Add the broccoli for the last two minutes.
5. Drain the pasta and broccoli mixture well and transfer to a large bowl.
6. Melt the Nuttalex in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Add the flour and cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
8. Once the mixture is bubbling, add the soy milk and bring to the boil.
9. Cook for a further five minutes, whisking until the sauce begins to thicken.
10. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese.
11. Season with salt and pepper as required.
12. Add the sauce, bacon, and spring onions to the pasta.
13. Stir until well combined.
14. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
15. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, until golden.
16. Serve topped with parsley — enjoy!