Soya Milk is a plant-based drink rather than dairy. It is usually fortified with added calcium and vitamins, and some versions add sugar, which places it in NOVA group 4. Unsweetened, fortified versions are the better everyday pick. It is a source of vitamin B12, calcium and riboflavin. Work out the numbers for any portion and age below, then see the full breakdown.
Unsweetened; the plant milk closest to dairy in protein.
For a milk or milk alternative the key numbers are sugar, fat and protein. The tables below set each against age-appropriate guidance.
A glass (200ml) contains about 0.8g of sugar. In an unsweetened plant milk this comes from the plant itself, while sweetened versions add sugar on top, so the label is worth checking. The table shows the free sugar limits by age for reference.
Soya Milk is naturally high in fat, at about 3.6g per portion, though most of it is unsaturated. Only around 0.6g is saturated and there is 0g of added fat.
A glass (200ml) provides about 6.6g of protein. Dairy milk and soya milk are good sources of complete protein; most other plant milks have much less, so the label is worth a look.
Because soya milk is salted, a portion carries about 0.2g of salt. Children have lower daily salt limits than adults, so it is worth checking against the guidance below.
Percentages are share of the daily Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). Under UK and EU rules a food is a source of a nutrient at 15% NRV per 100g and high in it at 30%.
These tables show how the nutrients compare to daily needs across different ages, using UK Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs). This differs from the source of and high in labels above, which use the single adult figure (NRV) set for food packaging. Children's needs are lower, so a portion goes further.
Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell formation and a healthy nervous system, and is found almost only in animal foods. A glass (200ml) contains 1ug. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth. A glass (200ml) contains 240mg. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Riboflavin (B2) helps release energy from food and keeps skin and eyes healthy. A glass (200ml) contains 0.42mg. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and support brain development. A glass (200ml) contains 44ug. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Yes. Soya Milk is a manufactured drink, blended from water and a plant base and usually fortified with added calcium and vitamins, which places it in NOVA group 4. That does not make it unhealthy, but an unsweetened, fortified version is the better everyday choice.
Nutrition data from McCance and Widdowson and UK FoodData Central, per 100g raw edible portion; values are reference figures and can vary by variety and ripeness. Reference intakes: EU NRVs for labelling and UK RNIs (SACN) for age-based needs. For guidance only.