"soymilk" news and stories

Jonathan mentioned that Oregon Chai has a soy Chai Nog on sale for the holidays for anyone who avoids dairy or is just a fan of chai in general. If you fall into the former category and prefer soy milks to dairy, there is another nog option available: Vitasoy's Holly Nog. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, the creamy holiday drink is a good stand-in for traditional eggnog. As an added bonus, it has only 120 calories per serving, a fraction of the dairy-based recipe.

If eggnog - or soy nog - isn't you're cup of tea, Vitasoy also has a new Peppermint Chocolate Soy drink out this year, which it touts as being delicious hot or cold, and an excellent choice for chocolate fans. It is low in fat and makes a great, seasonal creamer for coffee. Both drinks are dairy, lactose, cholesterol and gluten-free and both are USDA certified organic.

I've heard it a number of times either in a friend's kitchen or at the drop off line at school, it's always mentioned in somewhat hushed tones. "She's a vegetarian now, you know." Or, "No, he won't eat that anymore, he's a vegetarian all of a sudden."

These comments are usually met with eye rolls and knowing nods of the head. For many households, the switch of a teenager's diet means two different meals to prepare, more shopping to do and yet another battle with the resident teen. Statistics show that many teens currently classify themselves as vegetarians. The reasons vary widely: health, religion, ethics, weight, fashion, environment. Whatever the case, the trend is growing.

Evidence that vegetarian eating is more and more abundant: veggie burgers, edamame and soy products are available at more grocery stores. Fast food restaurants are offering more vegetarian options.

I became a vegetarian when I was 15. By the time I was 19, I was a full fledged vegan. I read John Robbin's Diet for a New America and became inspired to abandon all animal products. However, when I had a child at age 22, the efforts of preparing vegan meals became too much and I fell off the wagon and stopped by a KFC. If my teenager were to suddenly give up ham and pepperoni, I think I would support him and maybe even join him.

Source

Nicole has already mentioned soy milk and whether it's good for children or not. If you decide that the Newsweek article speaks the truth, then read no further. 

However, if you're an adult and drink soy milk, or if you and your children will continue to drink soy and rice milks, then perhaps making it at home from soybeans yourself is a good way to go, and also to ensure the quality of the product. This is the SoyaJoy soy milk maker, which can also make rice milk, almond milk and milks with other nuts/seeds. Because tofu is made from soy milk, you can also make tofu at home if you have the SoyaJoy. (Not that you couldn't make either soy milk or tofu without the machine).

The SoyaJoy sells for $137 retail, but until tomorrow, can be ordered directly from the manufacturer for $89.95 (though I suspect that the incentive "sale" price might be in effect for whatever holiday is next, as well).