For a low-fat soya drink, check that the carton lists no more than 1.5 g of fat per 100 ml: legislation.gov.uk gives that limit for a low-fat claim on liquids. Chilled Alpro, Sainsbury's and Tesco examples meet it, while the cited Alpro, Waitrose and Tesco long-life cartons list 1.9–2.1 g per 100 ml. If unopened cupboard storage matters more, a long-life carton may suit the shop, but do not assume that “unsweetened” means low fat.
If you are picking up soya drink for cereal, tea or everyday use, the total fat figure matters more than “light” or “unsweetened” on the front of the carton. Compare the nutrition panel per 100 ml with the 1.5 g limit for a low-fat claim on liquids given by legislation.gov.uk.
Alongside fat, check the individual carton for added calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iodine. The NHS advises checking plant-based drink labels for iodine; fortification differs between products.
A long-life carton can be kept unopened without fridge space. The cited long-life drinks from Alpro, Waitrose and Tesco contain more than 1.5 g fat per 100 ml, though, so check the pack if low fat is a firm requirement.
Decide whether the fat limit or unopened cupboard storage takes priority, then check the particular carton's nutrients, size and after-opening instructions.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Total fat | Read total fat per 100 ml, not just “unsweetened” or “no sugar”. Legislation.gov.uk specifies no more than 1.5 g per 100 ml for a low-fat claim on liquids. | I want a soya drink that meets the low-fat limit. Waitrose lists Alpro Soya Light Chilled at 1.2 g per 100 ml; Sainsbury's lists its unsweetened drink at 1.3 g, and Tesco lists its chilled unsweetened drink at 1.5 g. |
| Storage | Check whether the unopened carton is chilled or long-life, and follow its refrigeration and use instructions after opening. Tesco says to use its chilled unsweetened drink within five days of opening. | If I need a cupboard carton for an unplanned shop, storage may take priority. The cited long-life Alpro and Waitrose drinks list 1.9 g fat per 100 ml, while Tesco's lists 2.1 g. |
| Fortification | Check the specific pack for calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iodine. The NHS advises checking plant-based drink labels for iodine because only some are fortified with it. | When soya drink regularly replaces dairy in my shopping, I want to know which nutrients have been added rather than assuming every carton has the same ingredients. |
| Carton size | Check the number and size of cartons as well as the after-opening instructions. A case of individual cartons is a different purchase from a single 1L carton. | For a small top-up, I want an amount I can use and store; individual servings are useful only if the case quantity also suits me. |
| Allergens | Read the current allergen declaration on the exact pack. The Food Standards Agency identifies soya as an allergen. | If I need to avoid soya, I must check the ingredients rather than choosing a drink because it is dairy-free. |
Sugar wording does not establish the fat content. Waitrose lists its Essential Unsweetened and Alpro No Sugar long-life drinks at 1.9 g fat per 100 ml; Tesco lists its long-life unsweetened drink at 2.1 g.
For a low-fat choice, compare the pack's total fat per 100 ml with the 1.5 g limit for liquids given by legislation.gov.uk.
Calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iodine need to be checked product by product. The NHS notes that only some plant-based drinks are fortified with iodine.
If soya drink regularly replaces dairy in your shop, read the nutrition and ingredients panels on the carton you intend to buy.
A chilled carton may meet the fat limit but still be awkward for an occasional drink. Tesco instructs shoppers to refrigerate its chilled unsweetened soya drink after opening and use it within five days.
Check the exact carton's instructions against your fridge space and likely usage before choosing its size or format.
These product examples show why the fat figure and storage format need checking separately; they do not imply that every drink from a brand has the same composition.
Its cited chilled Light drink and long-life No Sugar drink serve different storage needs.
Its cited 1L unsweetened soya drink is a chilled own-label option.
Its cited Unsweetened Soya Drink is another option to compare by its pack label.
Its cited chilled and long-life unsweetened drinks have different fat figures.
The cited Essential Unsweetened Soya Drink is a long-life option for unopened cupboard storage.
This option is a case of individual ready-to-drink cartons, rather than a single 1L carton for a small top-up. Check the case quantity as well as the fat figure before deciding whether it fits your shop.
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The individual 250 ml cartons may suit serving or carrying, but this 48-carton case is a bulk purchase rather than a single-carton top-up. The product description lists 1.5 g fat per 100 ml, at the low-fat limit for liquids given by legislation.gov.uk. Refrigerate after opening and consume within 24 hours; check the current pack if added nutrients matter to your choice.
Check for no more than 1.5 g of total fat per 100 ml. Legislation.gov.uk gives that limit for a low-fat claim on liquids; wording about sugar or storage does not tell you whether a drink meets it.
No. The cited Waitrose Essential Unsweetened and Alpro No Sugar long-life drinks each list 1.9 g fat per 100 ml, and Tesco's long-life unsweetened drink lists 2.1 g. Check the fat line on the specific carton.
Read the individual pack for added calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iodine rather than assuming all plant-based drinks contain them. The NHS specifically advises checking the label for iodine fortification.
Do not assume so: Sainsbury's states that its cited Unsweetened Soya Drink is not suitable as a main milk-drink alternative for children under two. Check the age guidance on the exact product and seek advice from an appropriate health professional for a child's needs.
No. The Food Standards Agency identifies soya as an allergen, so a soya drink should not be treated as suitable for someone with a soya allergy simply because it is dairy-free. Read the current pack's allergen declaration.