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Soya-based drinks

Soya-based drinks, also known as soy milk, are plant-based beverages made from soybeans. The process of making soy milk involves soaking, grinding, and boiling soybeans, then filtering out the solids to create a liquid that has a creamy, milky texture.

Soy milk can be consumed on its own or used as a substitute for cow's milk in recipes such as smoothies, baked goods, and sauces. It is a popular alternative for people who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or who simply prefer plant-based options.

Soy milk is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium and iron. Some varieties are fortified with additional nutrients, such as vitamin D and B12, to make them even more nutritious.

In addition to soy milk, there are many other soy-based drinks available, such as soy-based yogurts, ice creams, and protein shakes. These products offer a dairy-free and plant-based alternative to traditional dairy products.

The market scope for soya-based drinks has been steadily growing over the past few years, as more people are choosing plant-based options for health, ethical, and environmental reasons.

According to a report by Research and Markets, the global soy milk market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2020 to 2025. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest consumer of soy milk, followed by North America and Europe.

The increasing demand for vegan and lactose-free products is one of the major drivers of the soy milk market. Soy milk is a popular choice among vegans and those who are lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. The rise in health consciousness is also a significant factor, as soy milk is considered to be a healthier alternative to dairy milk due to its low-fat content and high protein and calcium levels.

There is also a growing market for other soy-based products such as yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and protein shakes. These products are also gaining popularity among consumers who are looking for dairy-free and plant-based options.

The market scope for soya-based drinks and other soy-based products is expected to continue to grow as more people become aware of the health, ethical, and environmental benefits of plant-based foods.

There are several major players in the market for soya-based drinks, including:

a) Silk: Silk is a popular brand of soya-based products, including soya milk, yogurts, creamers, and more. The brand is owned by Danone, a multinational food company.

b) Alpro: Alpro is a European brand that offers a variety of plant-based products, including soya-based drinks, yogurts, desserts, and more. The brand is owned by Danone as well.

c) So Delicious: So Delicious is a US-based brand that offers a wide range of dairy-free products, including soya-based milk, creamers, yogurts, and ice cream.

d) Vitasoy: Vitasoy is a Hong Kong-based brand that offers a variety of soya-based products, including soya milk, tofu, and more. The brand is popular in Asia and Australia.

e) Eden Foods: Eden Foods is a US-based company that offers organic and non-GMO soya-based products, including soya milk, tofu, and tempeh.

f) Other notable players in the market include WestSoy, Earth's Own, Pacific Foods, and Provamel.

It's worth noting that some major dairy companies are also entering the soya-based market, such as Nestle and Coca-Cola, which have launched their own brands of plant-based milk alternatives, including soya-based drinks.

The commercial production of soya-based drinks typically involves the following steps:

a) Sorting and cleaning: Soybeans are sorted and cleaned to remove any foreign material or damaged beans.

b) Soaking: The soybeans are soaked in water for several hours to soften them and remove any anti-nutrients, such as phytic acid, that may inhibit nutrient absorption.

c) Grinding: The soaked soybeans are ground into a fine paste using a mill or blender.

d) Boiling: The soybean paste is mixed with water and boiled for about 20 minutes to cook the beans and remove any beany flavor.

e) Straining: The boiled mixture is strained through a cheesecloth or filter to remove any solids and create a smooth liquid.

f) Cooling: The strained liquid is cooled and then packaged in sterile containers for distribution.

g) Some manufacturers may add flavorings, sweeteners, or other ingredients to their soya-based drinks to improve taste and nutritional value.

The commercial production of soya-based drinks requires specialized equipment and expertise and is typically carried out in large-scale production facilities. The process may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but the basic steps are similar.