Dairy-free weekly shoppers
If you use soya drink for cereal, tea or cooking, carton size, storage and how quickly you finish an opened pack can all affect what works for your shop.
Who is this for?
People regularly replacing dairy
If soya drink is a frequent replacement, check for an unsweetened, calcium-fortified carton. The NHS includes unsweetened, calcium-fortified plant alternatives in the dairy and alternatives food group.
Allergen-conscious shoppers
A dairy-free label does not address every allergy: soya is an ingredient in soya drinks, and some ASDA cartons also carry a “may contain nuts” statement. Read the statement on the pack you are buying.
What should you check?
Start with the ingredients and allergen statement, then choose the formulation and storage format that fit how often you use the drink.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens | Check the dairy-free wording, ingredients and current on-pack allergen statement. Some ASDA soya cartons state that they may contain nuts. | I need to avoid dairy, but I also need to know whether soya or a stated nut warning affects my choice. |
| Fortification | Look for added calcium on the label and compare any listed iodine and vitamins by carton. Sainsbury’s lists 120 mg calcium per 100 ml for its Unsweetened Soya Drink; ASDA lists 122 mg per 100 ml for its fortified Plant Based option. | When I use soya drink regularly instead of dairy, I want to know which nutrients have been added rather than assuming every carton is fortified. |
| Sugar | Check whether the drink is labelled unsweetened and read its sugars figure using the same quantity basis when comparing cartons. | For everyday cereal or drinks, I may want an unsweetened option; a sweetened soya drink is a different choice. |
| Storage | Distinguish unopened long-life storage from chilled storage. Check the refrigeration and use-after-opening instructions on the carton. | I might keep unopened cartons in a cupboard, but I need to be able to refrigerate and finish each one after opening. |
Common shopping mistakes
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Assuming dairy-free means suitable for every allergy
Soya remains an ingredient, and some ASDA soya cartons state that they may contain nuts. Dairy-free wording does not settle either question.
Read the ingredients and allergen statement on the current pack, particularly if its packaging has changed.
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Assuming every soya drink has added nutrients
ASDA’s JUST ESSENTIALS carton lists no added calcium or vitamins in its ingredients, while fortified alternatives list added nutrients. For regular dairy replacement, the NHS specifically includes unsweetened, calcium-fortified plant alternatives in the dairy and alternatives food group.
Check for “unsweetened” and added calcium on the particular carton you intend to use.
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Stocking up without checking opened-carton instructions
An unopened long-life carton can be stored differently from an opened one. The ASDA JUST ESSENTIALS carton specifies four days after opening; the Sainsbury’s and Waitrose examples specify three.
Choose a quantity you can use within the pack’s stated period, and refrigerate after opening as instructed.
Brands and ranges to compare
ASDA
ASDA has both an ambient JUST ESSENTIALS unsweetened soya drink and a chilled Plant Based unsweetened option.
- The Plant Based carton lists 122 mg calcium per 100 ml, alongside added iodine and vitamins.
- The JUST ESSENTIALS ingredients do not list added calcium or vitamins. The Plant Based carton states that it may contain nuts.
Sainsbury’s
Its unsweetened chilled soya drink is fortified with calcium, iodine, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
- The product lists 120 mg calcium per 100 ml.
- Its carton instructs shoppers to use it within three days of opening.
Waitrose
Essential Unsweetened Soya Drink is a long-life option with added calcium, iodine and vitamins D, B12 and B2.
- The unopened long-life format can suit buying cartons ahead.
- The product instructions specify refrigeration and use within three days after opening.
Alpro
Alpro’s No Sugar Long Life soya drink is labelled dairy-free and contains added calcium, iodine and vitamins B2, B12 and D2.
- Its no-sugars formulation and long-life format offer a distinct combination to check against your needs.
- Check the exact pack and its storage instructions rather than assuming every Alpro soya drink has the same formulation.
M&S
M&S lists an unsweetened soya drink fortified with calcium, iodine, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
- Marks & Spencer lists 0.4 g sugars and 2.8 g protein per 100 g for this product.
- Check the selected Foodhall listing for local stock before planning a shop around it.
Tesco
Tesco’s soya drinks range lists own-label unsweetened long-life and chilled options alongside branded drinks.
- The listed formats let shoppers consider cupboard storage or a chilled carton.
- Check the current product label for its ingredients, fortification and opened-carton instructions.
Soya drinks on Joybuy
These soya drink options include an Alpro no-sugars multipack, another Alpro listing and a Yeo’s drink containing added sugar. Check each listing and current carton against the dairy-free, fortification and allergen details that matter to you.
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Alpro Soya No Sugars Long Life Drink, 8 × 1L
The 8 × 1L long-life pack may suit shoppers who use soya drink regularly and have space to store unopened cartons. Check the current carton’s allergen and after-opening instructions.
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6 Alpro Soya Drink OG
If this drink will regularly replace dairy, check the current carton for its sugar figure and whether calcium has been added. Read its allergen and storage instructions before use.
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Yeo’s Soy Bean Drink 1L
This 1L soya drink contains added sugar, so it is a different choice from an unsweetened carton. Check the current pack for its sugar and calcium figures, allergen statement and storage instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is soya drink dairy-free?
The ASDA JUST ESSENTIALS and Alpro products described here are labelled dairy-free. Soya drink still contains soya, and individual packs can carry further allergen statements, so check the carton you buy.
Does an everyday soya drink need added calcium?
If you regularly use it in place of dairy, an unsweetened, calcium-fortified option is worth checking: the NHS includes such plant alternatives in the dairy and alternatives food group. Added nutrients differ by carton, so read the ingredients and nutrition label.
Should I choose long-life or chilled soya drink?
Choose according to where you can store unopened cartons and how quickly you will finish one after opening. The ASDA JUST ESSENTIALS carton specifies four days after opening; the Sainsbury’s and Waitrose examples specify three. Follow the instructions on your own pack.
Can I put unsweetened soya drink in tea or coffee?
Yes, although the result can depend on the drink and how hot the water is. Sainsbury’s and Waitrose advise letting water cool slightly because soya drink can separate in hot drinks; follow the instructions on the carton.
Can these soya drinks be a main milk drink for a child under two?
Do not assume so. The Sainsbury’s and Waitrose cartons described here state that their drinks are unsuitable as a main milk drink alternative for children under two. Check the guidance on the exact product before choosing it for a young child.