Opinion Bonsoy & beyond: The best soy milk brands (and why it’s so healthy)

Let’s talk about soy, baby! From Bonsoy to MILKLAB, here are the soy milk brands we’re frothing over…

If you haven’t jumped on the soy milk bandwagon yet, where the heck have you <em>bean?!</em> 😉

Soy milk has been enjoyed across Asia for centuries, and these days you’ll find it everywhere from supermarket shelves to your local café. From simple everyday varieties to organic options and barista blends designed to froth and pour like a dream, there’s a soy milk out there for just about everyone. And we reckon it’s about time this nutritional powerhouse got the credit it deserves.

While oat milk might be having its moment in the spotlight, and almond milk has long been a supermarket staple, soy milk has a secret weapon: it’s packed with protein. In fact, it’s one of the most nourishing plant milks around, and is the closest nutritional match to cow’s milk (without all the not-so-legendairy downsides for animals and the planet).

It’s also creamy, versatile and right at home in everything — from smoothies, coffee, tea, and baked goods to a bubbling pot of béchamel sauce.

Thinking about switching to soy? Wondering whether it’s actually good for you? Or simply looking to perfect your morning latte? From Bonsoy to MILKLAB, here are the soy milk brands we’re frothing over…

Is soy milk healthy to drink?

Yes! Soy milk is made from soybeans, which are naturally rich in protein. Not only that, they’re actually a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids your body needs. This is one of the big reasons soy milk tends to pack considerably more protein than many other plant-based milks. The exact amount varies between brands, but most soy milks contain around 7–9g of protein per 250mL serve, with some fortified varieties (like Vitasoy Protein Plus) packing an even heftier punch. But soy milk has more pros than just protein! Soybeans contain compounds called isoflavones, which boast numerous health benefits including supporting cardiac health, protecting bone density, and even reducing menopausal symptoms, especially when subbed for foods higher in saturated fat. Many soy milks are also fortified with calcium, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, making them a nutritious alternative to cow’s milk with none of the problematic cholesterol or saturated fat found in dairy.

Of course, no single food is going to ✨magically✨ make your diet 100% healthy. If only it were that easy! Soy milk is best enjoyed as part of a varied diet, with whole foods like legumes, grains, nuts, seeds, fruit, and vegetables at the centre of your plate as much as possible.

What can you use soy milk for?

One of the best things about soy milk is how ridiculously versatile it is. Pour it, blend it, bake it, cook with it… Soy milk can do it all! Here are some of the best ways to put it to work:

Coffee: Soy milk has been a café favourite for years, and for good reason! Barista-style soy milk (Bonsoy in particular) is designed to froth and texture beautifully, making it a particularly good match for your morning brew.

Cooking: Unsweetened soy milk is especially handy in savoury dishes, especially when you want an extra boost of protein. Try it in creamy pastas, sauces, soups, or mashed potatoes for added creaminess without a single drop of dairy.
Baking: Soy milk works wonders in everything from fluffy pancakes to cakes and muffins. In most recipes, regular soy milk can be used as a one-to-one replacement for dairy milk, since it’s such a close match in terms of body and nutrition.

Anywhere else you’d usually use milk: It’s as simple as that. Pour soy milk over your cereal, stir it through your porridge, blend it into a smoothie, splash it in your tea, stir it into your favourite recipe, or drink it straight from the glass. If you’re looking to improve your health, protect the planet, or make a positive difference for animals, switching to soy milk is one of the easiest 1:1 swaps you can make — and with so many varied uses in a typical day of eating, the benefits add up fast!

Bonsoy & beyond: The soy milk brands to try

Ready to get your soy on? Whether you’re shopping at Coles, Woolworths or your local health food store, here are a few of our top picks…

Bonsoy

Best for: Creamy coffee and serious soy fans.

Few plant milks have quite the cult following of Bonsoy. Made in Japan from whole organic soybeans, this rich, creamy soy milk (with no fewer than 10.3g of protein per serve!) has become a firm favourite with Aussie coffee lovers and baristas alike.

Its smooth, full-bodied texture and frothability make it perfect for lattes. It’s also versatile enough for smoothies, cereal, cooking, and baking. If you’re the kind of person who considers their morning coffee a sacred ritual, Bonsoy might be your new go-to.

Vitasoy Soy Milky Regular

Best for: An everyday all-rounder.

A familiar — and honestly beloved — face in the Australian plant-based scene, Vitasoy Soy Milky Regular is smooth, creamy and made with soybeans grown by Australian farmers.

It provides 7.5g of protein and 300mg of calcium per serve, making it a solid everyday option for all your beverage, baking, and cooking needs. No fuss, no frills, just a dependable carton of soy milk that brings a decent nutritional boost to your morning cuppa.

Happy Happy Soy Boy

Best for: Smooth, café-quality lattes.

Containing 7.25g of protein per serve, Happy Happy Soy Boy is a beautifully balanced soy milk made specifically for baristas — but equally accessible to anyone wandering the plant-based milk aisle! Made in Japan with whole soybeans, it’s designed to froth flawlessly, steam easily, and complement your espresso without overpowering it.

One taste of a latte made with Happy Happy Soy Boy, and you’ll understand why it’s behind the counter of so many cafés these days.

So Good Regular Soy

Best for: Everyday drinking and cooking.

Another long-standing favourite, So Good Regular Soy is affordable, reliable, and well-stocked in most major supermarkets.

A single serve provides 8g of protein and 400mg of calcium, along with added vitamins and minerals including vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Plus, it’s Aussie made and owned, and low in saturated fat. What more could you want from your carton of milk!

Australia’s Own Organic Soy

Best for: Conscious shoppers.

Australia’s Own Organic Soy is definitely one to look out for. The unsweetened variety is made with 99% Australian ingredients, and it has a delightfully light, mellow taste. The protein content of this organic option is lower than some other soy milks. If nutrition is your priority, you may wish to pick another soy milk from this list. If taste is your priority, however, you’re in good hands!

MILKLAB Soy

Best for: Home baristas who mean business.

If coffee is your love language, MILKLAB Soy absolutely deserves a spot in your trolley. Developed specifically for coffee, it’s designed to texture, stretch, and pour beautifully, creating a smooth, creamy mouthfeel that really elevates your espresso.

And good news for those who take their home barista duties seriously: MILKLAB Soy now offers a new format specifically for home use that’s easier to pour and fits perfectly in your fridge door!

PureHarvest Organic Soy

Best for: Organic cooking and baking.

PureHarvest has been making organic soy milk for more than 30 years, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about the humble soybean.

Made with simple, organic ingredients produced right here in Australia, Organic Soy Original contains 7.5g of protein per serve and is also a great source of calcium.

Let’s talk about soy, baby!

If you’ve been wondering which plant-based milk to pick, you truly can’t go wrong with soy. It’s good for you, it tastes great, and there are plenty of brilliant brands to pick from these days, making it an effortless addition to your regular grocery shop.

When you consider all its benefits and uses, it’s no wonder soy milk has been enjoyed around the world for centuries and still sees such an outpouring of love from conscious shoppers and coffee lovers today!

Whether you’re after a creamy latte, an everyday all-rounder or an organic option, there’s a soy milk out there for everyone. To get the most out of your glass, we recommend checking the nutrition label when choosing your carton, particularly if you’re looking for added nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12, or a higher-protein option.

Still trying to work out which plant milk deserves a permanent spot in your fridge? Our beginner’s guide compares all the most popular plant milks to help you find your new fave.

Happy drinking, and soy ya later!