Soy milk powder is a plant-based milk alternative made from dried soy milk. It is lactose-free, dairy-free, and often used by those with milk allergies or dietary preferences like veganism.
Soy milk powder is valued for its long shelf life, high protein content, and versatility. It can be reconstituted into soy milk and used as a milk substitute in recipes that call for milk powder.
Using Regular Milk Powder
The simplest substitute is to use regular dairy milk powder or nonfat dry milk powder. Milk powder contains the same nutrients as soy milk powder like protein, calcium, vitamins A and D. It has a similar nutritional profile and powdered texture.
The main drawback is that milk powder contains lactose and dairy. So it won't work for vegans or those with dairy intolerances.
However, if you can handle dairy, milk powder makes an easy 1:1 substitute for soy milk powder. You can swap the soy powder for an equal amount of dairy milk powder without adjusting the recipe.
Key Takeaway: Regular milk powder is the simplest substitute for soy milk powder. Use a 1:1 ratio.
Coconut Milk Powder
Coconut milk powder is made from dried, ground coconut meat or pressed coconut cream. It has a high fat content, containing up to 70% oil in some brands.
Coconut milk powder has a sweet coconut flavor. It mixes smoothly into liquids. The fat content makes it substitute well for whole milk powder.
Coconut milk powder is naturally dairy-free and vegan. It contains no lactose or casein. This makes it an excellent soy milk powder alternative for vegans and those avoiding dairy.
You can replace soy milk powder with an equal amount of coconut milk powder in recipes. However, the high fat content affects baking textures. Baked goods may turn out heavier or more dense. Reduce the coconut milk powder slightly if this occurs.
Key Takeaway: Coconut milk powder replaces soy milk powder evenly. It works best in non-baked items as the fat content alters baking textures.
Rice Milk Powder
Rice milk powder offers a versatile, neutral-flavored substitute for soy milk powder. It is made from ground rice grains. Some brands add vitamins and minerals like calcium for nutritional fortification.
Rice milk powder mixes smoothly and doesn’t curdle when reconstituted. It has a naturally sweet, mild nuttiness compared to soy milk powder. The fine powder consistency makes it a good addition to smoothies.
As rice milk powder is plant-based and dairy-free, it’s suitable for vegan diets. It’s also free of common allergens like soy, gluten, nuts and lactose. This makes it a versatile powder for restrictive diets.
Rice milk powder can be difficult to find in stores, but you can easily purchase it online. Substitute rice powder for soy milk powder using a 1:1 ratio.
Key Takeaway: Rice milk powder is gluten-free, nut-free and vegan. It has a sweet, mild taste. Substitute equal amounts for soy milk powder.
Almond Milk Powder
Almond milk powder is made from blanched, ground almonds. It has a mildly nutty, sweet almond taste when reconstituted. The fine powder has a texture similar to nonfat milk powder.
Almond milk powder contains no dairy or lactose. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. This makes it suitable for many dietary needs.
Some brands add vitamins, minerals and protein to almond milk powder. Check the labels for added nutrients if your diet requires them.
You can use almond milk powder in place of soy milk powder in recipes. The slightly heavier texture may affect the result in some baked goods. Start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust to the desired texture as needed.
Key Takeaway: Almond milk powder has a mildly sweet nutty taste. Replace soy milk powder evenly, adjusting recipes as needed for texture.
Oat Milk Powder
Oat milk powder offers another plant-based, nutrient-rich substitute for soy milk. It's made by finely grinding whole oat groats, the hulled whole oat grains.
Oat milk powder has a smooth, mildly sweet oat flavor. It contains fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. Some brands add extra nutrients like calcium and vitamin D to boost the nutritional profile.
As oats contain gluten, oat milk powder isn't suitable for gluten-free diets. Otherwise, it's a versatile vegan substitute free of dairy and common allergens.
Use oat milk powder in a 1:1 ratio when replacing soy milk powder in recipes. The texture is a little thinner than soy milk powder. Adjust recipes if needed.
Key Takeaway: Oat milk powder has added vitamins and minerals. It contains gluten so isn't suitable for gluten-free diets. Otherwise, it substitutes 1:1 for soy milk powder.
Hemp Milk Powder
Hemp milk powder is made from finely milled hemp seeds. It has a nutty, earthy flavor when reconstituted in water or milk.
Hemp seeds are a complete protein containing all essential amino acids. As a result, hemp milk powder is high in plant-based protein at 15-16 grams per 1/4 cup serving.
Hemp milk powder contains no soy, dairy or gluten. It’s a vegan-friendly substitute suitable for many diets. However, it does contain nuts so isn't suitable for nut allergies.
Thanks to its smooth, creamy texture hemp milk powder works well in baked goods. It can replace soy milk powder evenly in recipes. However, the strong nutty taste will be noticeable.
Adjust any other seasonings in recipes accordingly if substituting hemp for a more subtly flavored powder.
Key Takeaway: Hemp milk powder is high in complete plant-based protein. It has a strong nutty flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing soy milk powder.
Cashew Milk Powder
Cashew milk powder is made from cashews that have been soaked, blended and dried into a fine powder.
It has a mild, subtly sweet flavor. The powder mixes smoothly when reconstituted. Cashew milk powder contains no soy, dairy or gluten. It's suitable for vegan and many allergy-friendly diets.
Thanks to its neutral flavor and smooth texture, cashew milk powder works as an easy 1:1 substitute for soy milk powder in recipes. It performs well in both sweet and savory dishes.
As cashew milk powder contains nuts, it isn't suitable for people with tree nut allergies. Otherwise, it offers a versatile soy milk powder alternative.
Key Takeaway: Cashew milk powder has a subtle sweet flavor. It can replace soy milk powder 1:1 in recipes. Avoid if allergic to nuts.
Non-Dairy Creamers
Many non-dairy coffee creamer powders make suitable substitutes for soy milk powder. Brands like Nestle Coffee-mate come in flavors like French Vanilla and Hazelnut, adding sweetness and flavor to recipes.
Non-dairy creamers contain vegetable oil powder to replace the fat content of dairy creamers. This gives them a richer mouthfeel. However, it means they aren't low fat like skim milk powder.
Check the labels for allergen information as some creamers contain milk derivatives. Others are suitable for vegan diets.
You can substitute an equal amount of non-dairy creamer for soy milk powder. The added flavor and fat content will change the recipe result. Adjust other ingredients like sugar and fat accordingly.
Key Takeaway: Non-dairy coffee creamers replace soy milk powder evenly. Pick unflavored or adjust recipes for added flavors.
Making Your Own Milk Powder
If you can't find a suitable soy milk powder substitute, try making your own.
You can make milk powder from any dairy or non-dairy milk. Simply heat it until the water evaporates away, leaving behind just the milk solids.
There are a few different methods for doing this:
- Oven method: Spread a thin layer of milk on a baking sheet. Bake at 170°F, stirring frequently, until completely dried into a powder.
- Freeze dry method: Freeze milk in ice cube trays, then place in a food dehydrator appliance to dry the cubes into powder.
- Spray dry method: Use a spray dryer appliance to evenly vaporize milk into a fine mist. The droplets instantly turn into powder.
Once dried, run the powder through a blender or food processor to break up any clumps. Store in an airtight container.
The resulting homemade milk powder provides a customized substitute for soy milk powder. Make it out of your favorite non-dairy milk or dairy milk if you can consume it.
Key Takeaway: Make DIY milk powder by drying dairy or non-dairy milk via baking, freeze drying or spray drying.
Storing Milk Powders
Powdered milks have a long shelf life thanks to their low moisture content. Once a container is opened, they remain good for:
- Soy milk powder: 4 to 6 months
- Coconut milk powder: 6 to 12 months
- Dairy milk powders: Up to 1 year
- Other non-dairy powders: 6 to 12 months
For longest shelf life, store milk powders in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The fridge can extend the shelf life a bit longer after opening.
Unopened milk powders keep for up to 1 to 2 years when stored properly. Check expiry dates and use opened powders within the recommended timeframe.
Key Takeaway: Opened milk powders keep for 6 months to 1 year when stored in a cool, dry place.
FAQ
Is soy milk powder gluten-free?
Yes, soy milk powder is naturally gluten-free as it's made from soybeans. Most brands are produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities as well. Always check labels to confirm the powder you purchase is gluten-free.
Can I substitute sweetened condensed milk for soy milk powder?
Sweetened condensed milk is very thick and sweet compared to soy milk powder. It isn't an ideal 1:1 substitute. However, you can approximate it by combining 1⁄3 cup soy milk powder with 1 cup sugar and 1⁄4 cup butter. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves.
What's the difference between soy milk powder and soy protein powder?
Soy milk powder is made from ground soybeans and contains natural soy proteins. Soy protein powder is an isolated soy protein supplement made by extracting only the proteins from soybeans. The two aren't directly interchangeable.
Conclusion
Soy milk powder has many great substitutes to choose from, both dairy and non-dairy. Coconut, rice and almond milk powders offer versatile options suitable for vegan and allergy-friendly diets. You can also make DIY milk powders from your favorite dairy or non-dairy milk.
Substitute evenly with soy milk powder in recipes, adjusting as needed for taste and texture differences. With so many alternatives, you can easily recreate recipes if you run out of soy milk powder.