Soy milk is a plant based milk made from soybeans. It has a mild taste and a creamy texture, and many Indian families now keep it at home for chai, coffee, smoothies and everyday cooking. In this guide we explain what soy milk is, how it is made, how plant based milk differs from dairy milk, how to use soy milk in an Indian kitchen, and the Nath Mills soy milk range that is coming soon from our mill in Tanda, Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.
What is soy milk?
Soy milk is a drink made by soaking and grinding soybeans with water and then straining the liquid. What you get is a smooth, white milk with a light, nutty taste. It can be used in most places where you would normally use regular milk.
At Nath Mills we are preparing two soy milk drinks. Healthy Milk is our plain soy milk, and Rose Milk is soy milk with a rose flavour. Both are part of our plant based range, along with Healthy Tofu and Masala Tofu.
How soy milk is made
The basic method is simple and has been followed in many homes for years:
- Clean the soybeans and soak them in water.
- Grind the soaked beans with fresh water into a smooth paste.
- Cook the mixture and strain it through a fine cloth.
- The liquid that comes through is soy milk. The pulp left in the cloth is called okara.
When soy milk is set with a coagulant and pressed, it becomes tofu, which many people in India call soya paneer. You can read more about it in our Tofu (Soya Paneer) Guide.
What is plant based milk?
Plant based milk is any milk-style drink made from plants instead of from animals. Soy milk is one of the best known types. These drinks are dairy-free, so people who avoid dairy milk, or who simply like a plant based option, can still enjoy chai, shakes and sweets at home.
Soy milk is a popular choice of plant based milk in Indian kitchens because its mild taste does not overpower masala chai, coffee or kheer, and its creamy body works well in shakes.
Soy milk vs dairy milk: a quick look
| Point | Soy milk | Dairy milk |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Soybeans and water | Cow or buffalo milk |
| Type | Plant based, dairy-free | Animal milk |
| Taste | Mild, lightly nutty | Familiar milky taste |
| Common uses | Chai, coffee, shakes, cereal, kheer | Chai, coffee, dahi, paneer, sweets |
| In hot tea | Add at the end and heat gently | Can be boiled with the tea |
Both have their place in an Indian home. Many families keep dairy milk for dahi and paneer and use soy milk for shakes, cold coffee or a plant based chai.
How to use soy milk in an Indian kitchen
Soy milk is easy to use once you know a few small tricks. Here are the most common ways families use it.
- Chai and coffee: use soy milk in place of dairy milk. Add it near the end and do not boil it hard.
- Smoothies and shakes: blend with banana, dates, mango or seasonal fruit.
- Breakfast: pour over cereal, muesli or daliya.
- Sweets: use in kheer, sevaiyan and shakes where milk is used.
- Baking: use it in cakes and muffins in place of milk, cup for cup.
- Summer drinks: rose flavoured soy milk is lovely served chilled or poured over falooda.
For step-by-step ideas, see our Healthy Milk Recipes post with chai, shakes and kheer.
Tips for cooking with soy milk
- Shake first: always shake the pack well before you pour.
- Gentle heat: heat soy milk on low to medium flame and stir. Very high heat can make it split.
- Tea last: brew the tea leaves, sugar and masala in water first, then add soy milk and simmer for a minute.
- Cold drinks: chill the milk before blending shakes so you need less ice.
- Sweetness: plain soy milk has no strong flavour of its own, so add sugar, jaggery or dates to taste.
How to store soy milk
Always follow the storage instructions and best-before date printed on the pack. Keep packs away from direct sunlight and heat. Once a pack is opened, close it well, keep it in the fridge and use it within the time printed on the pack. Do not drink soy milk that smells sour or has changed in texture.
Pick a pack size that matches how much your family uses. A single person who only adds it to morning coffee may need a small pack, while a family making shakes every day may prefer a 1 L or 2 L pack.
Nath Mills soy milk: coming soon
Nath Mills Healthy Milk and Rose Milk are coming soon and cannot be ordered yet. Both are planned in 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 L and 2 L packs.
| Product | What it is | Listed ingredients | Planned sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Milk | Plain soy milk | Soy (soybean) | 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 L, 2 L |
| Rose Milk | Rose-flavoured soy milk | Soy (soybean), rose flavour | 200 ml, 500 ml, 1 L, 2 L |
The planned prices for Healthy Milk shown on nathmills.in are ₹35 for 200 ml, ₹64 for 500 ml, ₹125 for 1 L and ₹250 for 2 L. Rose Milk prices will be shown at launch. Please check the product pages for the latest details.
How to get launch updates
- WhatsApp or call: +91 95111 45377 or +91 73985 16177.
- Email: nathmills0.1@gmail.com
- Visit the mill: Nath Mills, 129, Rampur Kalan, Tanda, Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh 224190.
Until then, you can try our Healthy Tofu, which is made from soy and is available to order now.
FAQ about soy milk
What is soy milk made from?
Soy milk is made by soaking and grinding soybeans with water and straining the liquid. Nath Mills Healthy Milk lists soy (soybean) as its ingredient.
Is soy milk a plant based milk?
Yes. Soy milk is a plant based, dairy-free milk because it is made from soybeans, not from animal milk.
Can I use soy milk in chai?
Yes. Brew the tea in water first, then add soy milk and simmer gently for a minute instead of boiling it hard.
When will Nath Mills Healthy Milk be available?
It is coming soon. WhatsApp +91 95111 45377 to be told when it launches.
What is the difference between Healthy Milk and Rose Milk?
Healthy Milk is plain soy milk. Rose Milk is soy milk with a rose flavour.