Soy Milk, Unsweetened

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Soy milk FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is soy milk gluten free?
• Is soy milk low fodmap?
• Does soy milk contain protein?
• Does soy milk contain carbs?
• Does soy milk contain cholesterol?
• Does soy milk contain fat?
• Does soy milk contain sugar?
• Is soy milk high in fiber?
• Does soy milk contain omega-3?
• Does soy milk contain vitamin D?
• Is soy milk high in Omega-6?
• Is soy milk high in potassium?
• Does unsweetened soy milk contain calcium?
• Does unsweetened soy milk contain iron?
• Does unsweetened soy milk contain magnesium?
• Does unsweetened soy milk contain lactose?
• Does soy milk contain lectins?
• Is soy milk high in lysine?
• Is soy milk high in oxalate?
• Does soy milk contain tryptophan?
• Is soy milk high in histamine?
• Is soy milk high in arginine?
• Is soy milk high in phosphorus?
• Is soy milk high in purines?
• Is soy milk high in estrogen?
• Does soy milk decrease testosterone?
• Does soy milk increase libido?
• Is soy milk halal?
• Is soy milk kosher?
• Is soy milk high in saturated fat?
• Are there any alternatives to soy milk?

Is soy milk gluten free?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk is naturally gluten-free because it is made from soybeans, which do not contain gluten. However, it is always good to check the labels as some manufacturers may process their products in facilities that also process gluten-containing foods which can result in cross-contamination.

Is soy milk low fodmap?

The FODMAP content of soy milk depends on how it’s made. Most soy milk is made from whole soybeans and is therefore high in FODMAPs. However, soy milk made from soy protein, such as some available in the USA, is low in Fodmaps. It’s best to check with a dietitian for the fodmap content of specific brands.

Does soy milk contain protein?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk does contain protein. On average, one cup contains about 7-8 grams of protein. The recommended daily intake for protein is around 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men, so a cup of soy milk can contribute to a significant portion of your daily protein needs.

Does soy milk contain carbs?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk contains carbohydrates, though the amount is relatively low. A typical cup of unsweetened soy milk has about 4 grams of carbs, which is only about 1.5% of the recommended daily intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Most of the carbohydrates in unsweetened soy milk are complex carbs, which are digested slowly and provide sustained energy throughout the day.

Does soy milk contain cholesterol?

No, unsweetened soy milk does not contain cholesterol. Cholesterol is derived from animal products and since soy milk is plant-based, it’s naturally cholesterol-free.

Does soy milk contain fat?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk does contain fat, generally about 4 grams per cup. It’s important to note that this is primarily healthful, unsaturated fat. Based on a 2000-calorie daily diet, the dietary reference intake for total fat is 70 grams; so, a cup of unsweetened soy milk would provide approximately 6% of your recommended daily intake.

Does soy milk contain sugar?

No, unsweetened soy milk does not contain sugar. It’s free of added sugars, although it does contain a small amount of natural sugars inherent in the soybeans themselves, typically around 1 gram per cup.

Is soy milk high in fiber?

No, while soybeans are a good source of fiber, the process of making soy milk filters out much of the fiber. A typical serving of unsweetened soy milk contains approximately 1 gram of fiber. The recommended daily intake of fiber, based on a 2000-calorie diet, is 28 grams, so a cup of soy milk provides about 3.5% of your daily requirement.

Does soy milk contain omega-3?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk does include Omega-3 fatty acids. A one-cup serving of unsweetened soy milk contains about 0.3g of Omega-3 fatty acids. The recommended daily intake is approximately 1.1-1.6g, so consuming one cup of soy milk can provide around 18%-27% of your daily Omega-3 needs.

Does soy milk contain vitamin D?

Yes, many commercially available soy milk brands are often fortified with vitamin D. A cup of fortified soy milk typically contains about 2.9 micrograms (116 IU) of Vitamin D. The recommended daily need for most adults is 15-20 micrograms (600-800 IU), which means a cup of fortified soy milk provides about 15-19% of the daily requirement.

Is soy milk high in Omega-6?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk does contain a high level of Omega-6 fatty acids. In one cup serving of unsweetened soy milk, there is approximately 1g of Omega-6. However, keep in mind that there is no set Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for Omega-6, but a typical American diet tends to be high in Omega-6 and low in Omega-3, which is not considered a healthy balance.

Is soy milk high in potassium?

Soy milk contains a moderate amount of potassium. One cup of unsweetened soy milk contains typically about 298mg of potassium. The recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is 4700mg per day, so a cup of soy milk provides roughly 6% of the daily requirement.

Does unsweetened soy milk contain calcium?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk does contain calcium. A typical serving of unsweetened soy milk (1 cup or 240ml) contains around 300 to 400 milligrams of calcium – this varies from brand to brand since some enhance their product with calcium. The recommended daily value of calcium intake for adults is around 1000 to 1300 milligrams, so a glass of soy milk can significantly contribute towards meeting this target.

Does unsweetened soy milk contain iron?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk contains iron, but in relatively low quantities. A standard serving of soymilk contains about 1.1 milligrams of iron. The recommended daily value of iron for adults is 18 milligrams for women and 8 milligrams for men.

Does unsweetened soy milk contain magnesium?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk does contain magnesium. A standard serving size has around 60 milligrams of magnesium. Given that the recommended daily value for magnesium is about 310-420 milligrams for adults, a cup of unsweetened soy milk can be a fair source of this nutrient.

Does unsweetened soy milk contain lactose?

No, unsweetened soy milk does not contain lactose. As a plant-based milk alternative, it is naturally lactose-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with lactose intolerance or those following a dairy-free diet.

Does soy milk contain lectins?

Yes, soy milk does contain lectins. Specifically, it contains soybean lectins. These are naturally occurring proteins that can bind to sugars. Whilst cooking or processing can reduce their levels significantly, they are not completely eliminated. It’s important to note that the levels aren’t harmful if you consume soy milk in moderation.

Is soy milk high in lysine?

Yes, soy milk is a good source of lysine, an essential amino acid. A single cup (about 240 ml) of unsweetened soy milk provides roughly 658 mg of lysine. The daily recommended intake of lysine for adults is about 3000 mg, so a single serving of soy milk accounts for about 22% of the daily requirement.

Is soy milk high in oxalate?

Soy milk contains a moderate amount of oxalates. Oxalate content can vary, but it typically contains around 10-15 mg per cup of 240 ml. High oxalate foods contain more than 100 mg per serving, so soy milk isn’t classified as high in oxalate, but individuals with specific health considerations, like kidney stones, may still need to moderate their intake.

Does soy milk contain tryptophan?

Yes, soy milk does contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that your body needs to produce certain proteins. A single 240 ml serving of unsweetened soy milk provides around 110 mg of tryptophan. The recommended daily intake is typically around 250-425 mg for adults, so a serving of soy milk can provide a significant portion of this.

Is soy milk high in histamine?

No, unsweetened soy milk is not typically high in histamine. Foods known to be high in histamine include fermented products, aged cheeses, and alcohol. Some individuals might have adverse reactions to soy products due to their unique sensitivities, but this is not due to a high histamine content.

Is soy milk high in arginine?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk can be considered a good source of the amino acid arginine. A typical 1-cup serving contains about 0.826 grams of arginine. The amount of arginine needed daily varies with age and overall health, but for an adult, an average of 4-6 grams per day is suggested.

Is soy milk high in phosphorus?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk does contain a significant amount of phosphorus. A standard 1-cup serving contains around 105mg of phosphorus, which represents about 10% of the recommended daily intake for most adults (1000mg per day).

Is soy milk high in purines?

No, while many plant-based products can contain purines, soy milk contains only a moderate amount. A 1-cup serving of soy milk contains around 20-25mg of purines. In contrast, high-purine foods, like organ meats and some fish, contain 100-400mg per serving. Those at risk of gout or other health issues associated with high purine intake should be mindful of their total dietary intake of purines.

Is soy milk high in estrogen?

Soy milk doesn’t contain estrogen. However, it does contain isoflavones, which are plant-derived compounds with estrogenic activity. These compounds can mimic or inhibit the action of estrogen in the body. Depending on the brand, soy milk may contain approximately 10 to 50 mg of isoflavones per serving.

Does soy milk decrease testosterone?

The effect of soy milk on testosterone levels is controversial. Some studies have shown a slight decrease in testosterone levels after consuming high amounts of soy, while others found no significant impact. Soy milk contains isoflavones, which can act as weak estrogens in the body, but their effect on male hormone levels is not well understood and is likely minor when consumed in moderation.

Does soy milk increase libido?

There isn’t solid scientific evidence supporting the claim that soy milk can directly increase libido. Some studies have suggested that the isoflavones in soy have possible beneficial effects on blood vessels and heart health, which can indirectly impact sexual performance. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Is soy milk halal?

Yes, unsweetened soy milk is typically considered halal, or permissible under Islamic laws, as it does not contain any animal-based ingredients or alcohol. However, it’s always good practice to look for products that have been officially certified as halal.

Is soy milk kosher?

Many brands of unsweetened soy milk are kosher. However, they need to be certified by a kosher certification agency. Always look for the hechsher or kosher symbol on the packaging to be sure.

Is soy milk high in saturated fat?

No, unsweetened soy milk is not high in saturated fat. It contains approximately 0.5 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, which is quite low. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to less than 13 grams per day for a 2000-calorie diet, implying that soy milk contributes very little to this limit.

Are there any alternatives to soy milk?

Yes, there are several alternatives to unsweetened soy milk. These include almond milk, rice milk, oat milk, and coconut milk. However, each alternative has differing nutritional values and none is a perfect nutritional match for soy milk. For example, almond milk tends to be lower in protein but also lower in calories while oat milk tends to be higher in carbohydrates. It’s crucial to choose an alternative based on individual nutritional needs and taste preferences.