My dilemma: Soy milk or dairy?

Soy milk is made from soy beans which are dried, then soaked in water and finely ground. The resulting drink has roughly the same protein content as milk (about 3.5 per cent), and can be curdled and pressed into tofu in the same way that milk is turned into cheese. Soybean plants are grown both as a food crop and animal feed in regions with hot summers, including the Unites States, South America, China and India. Beans used in New Zealand products are often sourced from Australia.

Cow’s milk in New Zealand is by contrast a local product, though some imported feed is used. Cows graze mostly outdoors with milk collected and processed over a milking season that matches the period of greatest summer grass growth. Only a small percentage of milk produced is consumed in New Zealand; the majority is exported.

Let’s look at the environmental pros and cons of each process.

Average prices per litre

• Regular dairy milk: $1.50
• Regular soy milk: $2.99
• Organic dairy and soy milk: Both around $3.69

The verdict

Drinking Australian-sourced soy milk is a greener choice than drinking milk. However, you can cut out many of the worst impacts of dairy products by choosing organic milk.

Have an eco dilemma that needs expert advice? Email [email protected] with ‘My dilemma’ in the subject line, or write to Green Ideas, PO Box 47177, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144.