Soy milk, or soya milk, is a widely embraced dairy milk alternative derived from soybeans. With a long-standing history in East Asia, particularly in China and Japan, this creamy and nutty-flavored beverage offers numerous nutritional benefits. It is packed with protein, essential amino acids, and vitamins. It is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet.
Being lactose-free, soy milk suits individuals with lactose intolerance and is a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking. It is a safe choice for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities, as it lacks lactose-containing milk.
Given that it vastly differs from dairy-based milk, its best storage practices have a few minor differences. Let’s see what they are.
How To Store Soy Milk?
The best storage practices will depend on what kind of soy milk you have. There is homemade, store-bought shelf stable, and store-bought refrigerated.
Homemade soy milk should be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. Due to the lack of preservatives, keeping it at the back of the fridge rather than the door is best so that temperature fluctuations from opening and closing the refrigerator do not affect it.
Keep unopened shelf-stable soy milk in a cool, dry place, away from heat sources. Once it has been opened, then it should be immediately stored in the refrigerator.
Refrigerated soy milk from the cold section of the supermarket should be stored in the fridge immediately upon bringing it home. It is best closer to the back of the refrigerator, though this is less important with a supermarket variety than a homemade one.
Can You Freeze Soy Milk?
While it is technically possible to freeze soy milk, it is generally not recommended. Unlike cow’s milk, soy milk comprises various ingredients that work together to create a silky texture. I find that after freezing, it loses this and becomes watery and less emulsified.
If you want to freeze your soy milk, simply put the carton directly into the freezer or transfer the milk to ziplock, freezer-safe bags. When freezing soy milk in a carton, leave some room for expansion. Otherwise, the package can burst open or become misshapen, resulting in a mess!
How To Defrost Soy Milk
To defrost frozen soy milk, take it out of the freezer and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. It is best not to leave it at room temperature to defrost, as this could cause it to spoil. Once defrosted, give it a shake before using, and use it within 5 days.
Do not thaw it in the microwave, as this can cause uneven warming and spoilage. Only thaw what you need for immediate use, as it cannot be refrozen once defrosted. Soy milk that has been frozen will have a slightly different texture and taste than fresh soy milk, but it is still safe to consume.
How Long Does Soy Milk Last?
- Unopened, shelf-stable soy milk can last 6 to 12 months after its manufacturing date and sometimes a few days past the best-by dates on the packaging.
- Refrigerated soy milk lasts 5-7 days. Put it in the refrigerator as soon as possible and consume it within a week. Make sure you finish it within a couple of days after opening the container.
- Homemade soy milk is best consumed within 3 days but can stretch to 5 before it starts to sour.
- Frozen soy milk lasts about 3 months in the freezer.
How To Know When Soy Milk Is Rancid?
There are several indicators that your soymilk (homemade or store-bought) may no longer be suitable to consume. Look out for abnormal odors, flavors, or colors in your soymilk, a bloated container, or any punctures or cuts on the carton.
Spoiled soy milk can smell a little bit sour or fermented and taste the same. Look for any yellow or other color changes in the milk, and check for lumps when you pour it. If it is more than a few days past its expiration date, it is best to discard it!
FAQs
Soy milk is an excellent source of protein, so if you want to enhance muscle repair and recovery, take it within 30 minutes after finishing your workout.
Most research suggests that drinking a moderate amount of soy milk per day is perfectly okay. There is some debate on soy milk causing issues with hormones, but this has not been shown to be the case in humans unless you drink truckloads of it!
Topically, no. Soy in cosmetic products can be comedogenic, which means it causes acne breakouts in some people. As for ingesting it, it is not likely to cause acne unless you are allergic or overly sensitive to soy products.
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