Quality Concerns Regarding Soy Milk
Fat powder, also known as chemical bean powder, is a type of ivory yellow powder with a scent and fatty texture similar to real milk obtained from beans.
The flavorings available in the market usually come in the form of chemical liquid with a soy milk-like aroma.
When purchasing from chemical bins, fat powder can be acquired for approximately 55,000đ per kilogram, while flavorings cost 35,000đ per 100 grams. By using just 1 kilogram of powder for 60 liters of water and adding 1 teaspoon of flavoring per liter of milk, a pot of fragrant and enticing soy milk can be prepared.
Some sellers also recommend adding a small amount of rice powder if a creamier texture is desired.
Potential Health Risks
Consumption of soy milk from unknown sources can be hazardous to one’s health.
The Ho Chi Minh City Nutrition Center has detected harmful microorganisms, such as Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Ecoli bacteria, yeast, and mold in these products. These microorganisms and mold can be detrimental to human health and lead to various problems, including diarrhea and, in the long run, genetic mutations and even cancer.
Identifying Real Soy Milk vs Soy Milk from Chemicals
Properties | Real Soy Milk | Chemical Soy Milk |
Color | Ivory | Cloudy white or creamy like rice water |
Transparency | Slightly transparent, due to crushed soybeans not completely dissolving in water | Opaque white |
Fat | Low fat, with a slight fragrance | Higher fat content, with a slightly harsh odor |
Flavor | The delicious, distinctive flavor of beans, sweet and refreshing | Sweet and fatty due to the powder, without the flavor of beans, leaving a slight harsh and bitter taste on the tongue |
Shelf life | 24 hours | 2 – 3 days |
Observation | If a bottle of soy milk is left undisturbed, sediment will form at the bottom after 10 – 15 minutes. Shaking the real soy milk will produce a lot of foam. | Sediment settles, minimal or no sediment at the bottom (from fat powder), and the sediment has a very fatty taste. Shaking it will produce little to no foam. |
Soy milk is beneficial for both personal health and the health of one’s family. However, to ensure the highest quality, it is advisable to make soy milk at home or purchase it from reputable stores and brands if time is a constraint.
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