Soy Milk

Soy milk is a plant-based milk made by soaking and grinding soybeans, boiling the mixture and filtering out the remaining particulates, forming a stable emulsion of oil, water and protein that also serves as an intermediate product in the manufacture of tofu. It originated in China and became a common beverage in Europe and North America in the latter half of the twentieth century, as production methods developed to give it a taste and consistency closer to dairy milk. It is used as a substitute for dairy milk, particularly by vegans, the lactose-intolerant and those with milk allergies, and manufacturers use it to make imitation dairy products such as soy yogurt and cheese analogues, as well as in pancakes, smoothies, bread and other baked goods.