This Was The Very First Plant-Based Milk - Tasting Table

"On any trip to the grocery store or coffee shop, you are probably confronted by the sheer variety of non-dairy milks. The number of plant milk options is growing every year, and dairy alternatives are expected to continue rising in popularity. But as modern as the plant-based milk industry feels, some have been around longer than you think. Out of all non-dairy milks, soy milk is the oldest."

"First documented in the 14th century, soy milk has endured. While it originated in China, it eventually spread to the West and became a staple in many households. It's not too surprising, since soy milk's neutral flavor, texture, and nutritional content make it a great substitute for cow's milk. It has also proven to be more sustainable, which is critical for many modern consumers."

"The beginning of the 20th century marked the emergence of soy milk as a dairy alternative in the United States. In 1917, the first commercial soy milk production plant opened. Meanwhile, entrepreneurial giant Henry Ford helped soy milk go mainstream, as he was convinced it and other soybean products were future gold mines across multiple industries. He produced and widely advertised soy milk, which significantly contributed to its appeal to general consumers."

Soy milk originated in China and was first documented in the 14th century. It spread to the West and became a household staple due to its neutral flavor, appealing texture, and nutritional profile. Soy milk provides a more sustainable alternative to cow's milk, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers. Commercial production in the United States began in 1917 with the first soy milk plant. Henry Ford promoted soy milk and other soybean products, helping popularize them among general consumers. Demand rose during world wars when dairy and meat were scarce, and interest resurged in the 1990s with dairy-free diet trends.

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