Soy Milk Delivery or Pickup

Soy milk is a non-dairy milk that is made from whole soybeans — which is a legume native to East Asia — or full-fat soy flour. Basically, the "milk" is a stable emulsion of protein, water, and oil. The original form of soy milk is an intermediate product of the production of tofu. It's a more watery substance than the soy milk you buy off the shelf today. Traditionally, this milk is made by soaking soybeans in cold water, grinding them between stones, and then filtering the slurry through a sieve. To make tofu, the milk is heated together with a coagulant.

The commercial production of soy milk in the western world is basically a variation of the traditional method. It involves soaking and grinding the beans and then cooking and filtering the slurry. Modern production processes use cooking and grinding techniques that deactivate the enzyme in soy that produces a "beany" flavor, as most western palates find this taste unpleasant in their "milk." 

The milk is homogenized to ensure that fat doesn't separate from the rest of the liquid, and it's also often ultra-heated-treated (UHT) for sterilization. In addition, manufacturers add water, sugar, oil, flavors, vitamins, and minerals to the milk to make it more tasty and nutritious.

The end product is a mild-tasting and creamy-textured milk that makes a great substitute for cow's milk, especially if you're a vegan or lactose intolerant. By consuming soy milk, you're also doing your bit for the environment, especially if you buy non-GMO or organic products, since growing soy and producing soy milk have a relatively low impact on the climate.

How long you can keep soy milk depends on the type of product, which includes unrefrigerated, refrigerated, and homemade soy variations. Shelf-stable products, which you'll buy off the shelf, will last up to eight months when stored unopened in a cool, dry place.

Once you open the container, store the milk in the fridge and consume it within a week. If you buy refrigerated soy milk, you can keep it unopened in your fridge for about five days after its "best by" date. You should use the milk within a week, however, after opening. Home-made soy milk should also last for about a week in the fridge.

Although you can freeze soy milk, it's not recommended. Apart from the fact that you can store shelf-stable soy milk products for longer in the pantry, freezing soy milk causes it to separate, which will leave you with a grainy and less tasty milk product once it's thawed. For this reason, it's best to use thawed soy milk for cooking.

If you're unsure whether your soy milk is still fresh, you can use the milk's color, texture, and smell as indicators. Fresh soy milk has a slightly off-white color, a smooth texture, and a mild smell. If you notice that the milk has darkened in color, has a sour smell, or has started to form lumps, it has expired and should be thrown away. You can also consult the date labels on your products for guidance when in doubt.

If you think your soy milk has expired and you quickly need a replacement, simply visit the Instacart website and place your order online! Our grocers stock various soy milk products, including organic soy milk, soy milk powder, and flavored soy milk beverages. One of our friendly Instacart shoppers will hand-select your products and can deliver these to your door within 2 hours!