Both are relatively healthy options for any plant-based or omnivorous diet. Soy milk is a little higher in calories, but it's also much, much higher in protein and antioxidants. Some find almond milk's taste a little more agreeable, but soy's texture is much more creamy and rich.
From a nutrition standpoint: Soy milk contains more protein than almond milk. Soy milk contains more heart healthy polyunsaturated fats. Almond milk is lower in calories compared to soy milk, and contains more heart healthy monounsaturated fats.
Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
Soy is a good source of low-fat and plant-based protein. It is cholesterol-free, has less saturated fat than cow's milk and lowers the LDL in the body. Cow's milk, on the other hand, has more calcium than natural soy. Calcium, as we know, helps to build bones and prevents osteoporosis.
"The benefit of pea-based milk over some of the other milk alternatives is that peas contain several vitamins and minerals," says Beaver. "Pea-based milk also contains more protein than some of the other non-dairy options, like almond milk and oat milk, making it a good option for vegetarians and vegans."
Soy Milk. Soy milk is the OG of dairy-free milks. It's made by soaking soybeans, which have been hulled and ground, in water. Soy beans contain essential amino acids, high levels of protein, and iron, and soy milk has lower fat and cholesterol levels than regular milk, which obviously has its perks.
Which milk is the best for weight loss? According to a study by NIH, unsweetened almond milk has the lowest calories and aids in a low-carb diet. Almonds also contain a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) that are considered helpful in weight loss and weight management.
Regular soy milk could lead to nutrient deficiencies. Soy is possibly unsafe when used as an alternative to cow's milk in children who are allergic to cow's milk. Although soy protein-based infant formulas are often promoted for children with milk allergy, these children are often allergic to soy as well.
Soy milk is a nutritious drink, loved by many people, but not everyone should drink it. People with stomach and intestinal problems, people with gout, people taking antibiotics, people after surgery should not drink too much soy milk.
How Much Soy Milk per Day Is Safe to Drink? You can feel confident in drinking soy milk, says Hever, who follows guidelines from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) for moderate soy consumption: one to two servings daily of whole soy foods, including soy milk, edamame, soy nuts, and tofu.
Reduced-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese are better options for people with heart disease or high cholesterol. Butter, cream and ice cream are not part of a heart-healthy diet. Unflavoured milk, yoghurt and cheese are 'neutral' for heart health.
Choose lower fat milk such as skim, 1% and 2% milk. Making lifestyle changes (smoking cessation and weight loss), and reducing total dietary fat (especially saturated and trans fat) are more effective at lowering blood cholesterol than reducing cholesterol intake.
Soy 'milk' is generally recognised as safe for most people unless you have a soy allergy when it should be avoided. Soybeans are also considered to be goitrogenic which means they interfere with the activity of the thyroid gland.
Almond milk calories per cup are a little lower than soy milk, at 60 and 80 kcal, respectively, so if you're looking for a low-calorie alternative, almond milk wins this race. Soy milk carbohydrate levels are low, making it an excellent choice for low-carb diets over the naturally higher carbs in almond milk.
The protein in soy milk is healthy, plant-based, and can help support healthy muscles and organs. Soy milk is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are “healthy” fats that your body cannot form on its own. Omega-3 fatty acids are linked to a reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Health concerns
Some studies have found that higher levels of soy isoflavone consumption can potentially lead to developing or exacerbating several health issues, such as a higher risk of developing breast cancer and heart disease in both men and women.
Apart from its naturally cholesterol free and vegan properties, soy milk contains isoflavones. Research suggests that isoflavones are antioxidants, can reduce inflammation in the body, and may also have anticancer effects.
Soy is an excellent dietary addition for patients with joint pain. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, meaning it may reduce inflammation within the body. Inflammatory chemicals attack the joint tissues, leading to more fluid in the joints and cartilage damage.
The most common side effects of soy are digestive upsets, such as constipation and diarrhea. Soy may alter thyroid function in people who are deficient in iodine. Current evidence indicates that it's safe for women who have had breast cancer or who are at risk for breast cancer to eat soy foods.
LACTAID® Milk
Having lactase added to the milk allows those who are lactose-intolerant to enjoy cow's milk without the digestive side effects of abdominal cramps, bloating, and flatulence. This milk is available in many formats, including flavoured varieties. Use as you would regular milk.
Plant-based options such as cashew, almond, hemp, flax, soy, coconut, and macadamia milk seem to be the best milk alternatives for weight loss. Not only are they dairy and lactose-free, but they are low in calories and have no saturated fats.
A2 milk is marketed to be easier to digest than regular cow's milk, but there's limited evidence to support these claims. Nutritionally, A2 milk is no different from whole cow's milk. Lactose-free milk.