Soya milk drink has become one of the most popular plant-based beverages worldwide, and its popularity continues to grow in Nigeria and across Africa. Made from soybeans, this nutritious drink is valued for its rich protein content, affordability, and numerous health benefits. Beyond its nutritional value, soya milk also plays significant role in supporting agriculture, agribusiness, rural livelihoods, and food security.
What is soya milk?
Soya milk, also known as soy milk, is a plant-based beverage made from soybeans and water. It is produced by soaking, grinding, boiling, and filtering soybeans to obtain a creamy, milk-like liquid. Unlike dairy milk, soya milk contains no lactose, making it a suitable alternative for people, who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based diets.
Origin and growing popularity of soya milk
Soybeans originated in East Asia and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Over time, soybean cultivation spread across different parts of the world, including Africa. Nigeria is one of Africa’s leading producers of soybeans, and the crop has become increasingly important for food production, livestock feed, and industrial processing. The popularity of soya milk continues to rise because consumers are becoming more aware of healthy eating habits, plant-based nutrition, affordable protein sources, lactose intolerance alternatives, and sustainable food choices.
Ingredients needed to make soya milk
Preparing homemade soya milk requires only a few ingredients.
Main ingredients: Two cups soybeans, 8-10 cups of clean water
Optional flavoring ingredients: Vanilla extract, honey, sugar, dates, cinnamon, and ginger. These flavouring can enhance the taste and make the drink more appealing.
Step-by-step guide on how to make soya milk drink
Step 1: Sort and wash the soybeans: Remove stones, dirt, and damaged beans. Wash thoroughly with clean water.
Step 2: Soak the soybeans: Soak the soybeans in water for 8-12 hours, or overnight. This softens the beans and makes them easier to process.
Step 3: Rinse and remove the skins: After soaking, rinse the beans and rub them gently between your palms to remove some of the outer skins. This helps improve the texture and flavour of the milk.
Step 4: Blend the soybeans: Add the soaked soybeans and clean water into a blender, and blend until smooth.
Step 5: Filter the mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a muslin cloth or fine sieve. Separate the liquid from the soybean residue (okara).
Step 6: Boil the soy milk: Transfer the filtered liquid into a pot and boil for about 15-20 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent burning. Boiling helps eliminate the raw bean taste and improves safety.
Step 7: Add flavouring: Add honey, vanilla, dates, or other natural sweeteners, if desired. Allow the drink to cool.
Step 8: Refrigerate and serve: Store in clean bottles and refrigerate. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Nutritional benefits of soya milk
Soya milk is widely-regarded as a nutritious beverage because it contains several essential nutrients, viz:
Rich source of plant protein: Soybeans are among the few plant foods that provide high-quality protein.
Protein supports: Muscle development, tissue repair, growth and maintenance of body functions.
Contains essential vitamins and minerals: Soya milk naturally contains nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, Vitamin B-complex. These nutrients support overall health and wellness.
Low in saturated fat: Compared to many dairy products, soya milk contains lower levels of saturated fat.
Suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals: People, who experience difficulty digesting lactose often use soya milk as a dairy alternative.
Supports heart health: Research suggests that soybean-based foods may contribute to healthy cholesterol management when consumed, as part of a balanced diet.
Economic benefits of soya milk production
Soya milk production contributes significantly to economic activities throughout the agricultural value chain in the following ways:
1. Creates demand for soybean farmers: The primary raw material for soya milk is soybean. As demand for soya milk increases, more soybeans are cultivated, farmers earn higher incomes, and agricultural productivity improves. This encourages investment in soybean farming.
2. Supports agro-processing industries: Soya milk production transforms raw agricultural produce into value-added products. This promotes food processing businesses, packaging industries, beverage manufacturing, small-scale processing enterprises. Value addition increases profitability, when compared to selling raw soybeans alone.
3. Generates employment opportunities: The soybean and soya milk value chain creates jobs for farmers, input suppliers, transporters, processors, distributors, and retailers. This contributes to income generation across rural and urban communities.
4. Encourages small business development: Many entrepreneurs now produce and package homemade soya milk for local markets. Startup costs are relatively affordable, making it attractive for youth entrepreneurs, women-owned businesses, and community cooperatives.
5. Reduces dependence on imported dairy products: Increased local production of soya milk helps reduce reliance on imported milk products and supports domestic food industries.
Relationship between soya milk and agriculture
Soya milk is directly connected to agriculture because its primary ingredient comes from soybean farming. The growth of the soya milk industry stimulates activities throughout the agricultural sector.
Agricultural products involved: Soybeans, ginger, vanilla, and natural sweeteners. According to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), as demand for soya milk grows, demand for these agricultural commodities also increases.
Importance of soybean farming in Nigeria
Soybean is one of Nigeria’s most important legume crops. Major soybean-producing areas include parts of Benue, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, and Taraba states. Soybean farming contributes significantly to food security and rural livelihoods, viz:
Benefits of soybean farming
Improves soil fertility: Soybeans naturally fix nitrogen in the soil, helping improve soil quality.
Supports livestock production: Soybean meal is widely-used in poultry and livestock feed production.
Generates income: Soybean farming provides a reliable source of revenue for farmers.
Encourages agro-industrial development: The crop supplies raw materials for food, feed, and industrial processing (Food and Agriculture Organisation).
Business opportunities in the soya milk industry
Entrepreneurs can explore several profitable opportunities within the sector, such as:
Homemade soya milk production: Produce and sell fresh soya milk to households, schools, and offices.
Packaged beverage production: Develop branded soya milk products for supermarkets and retail stores.
Soybean processing: Process soybeans into soy flour, soy cheese (tofu), soy yogurt, and soy snacks.
Agricultural supply: Cultivate soybeans and supply processors and manufacturers.
Conclusion
Soya milk drink is much more than a nutritious beverage. It represents a valuable link between health, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Its production supports soybean farmers, food processors, transporters, retailers, and countless businesses across the agricultural value chain. As demands for healthy and affordable plant-based drinks continue to increase, soya milk offers tremendous opportunities for both consumers and entrepreneurs while contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s agriculture sector. For farmers, processors, and investors alike, soya milk remains one of the most promising agricultural value-added products in today’s food economy.
