For a workplace canteen, consider an unsweetened soya drink if an unsweetened option is wanted, and check the current carton for any required fortification. A UHT format can suit unopened stock kept outside the fridge, but follow the chosen product’s instructions after opening and manage soya allergen information at service.
They need a soya drink that fits available storage, expected use after opening and the nutrients specified for the menu. A carton intended for occasional use may need a different stocking routine from one opened every day.
They may want soya drink with cereal or in a hot or cold drink. Fortification differs between plant-based drinks, according to the UK SACN and COT assessment, so the individual carton matters when particular nutrients are wanted.
They need to identify soya in drinks and foods served with them, keep ingredient information current and manage allergens during preparation and service. Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland guidance addresses allergen information for both prepacked and non-prepacked food and drink.
Start with the menu’s requirements, then check each carton’s label against the way it will be stored, opened and served.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fortification | Read the current ingredients and nutrition label for calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iodine if these are part of the menu specification. Compare declared nutrients on the same per-100-ml basis. | I want to know which nutrients the drink actually contains, rather than assume every plant-based carton is fortified alike. The UK SACN and COT assessment notes substantial variation in fortification. |
| Sugar declaration | Check whether the carton is labelled unsweetened or no sugars, then read its sugars declaration per 100 ml. Recheck the current pack when ordering a different variant. | For a shared lunch counter, I may want an unsweetened choice for cereal and drinks without treating every soya recipe as interchangeable. |
| Storage and use | Check whether the unopened carton is UHT or requires chilling. Follow that product’s refrigeration and use instructions after opening, and match carton size to likely demand. | I need a stocking routine that fits fridge space and how quickly an opened carton is used; a long-life label does not replace the instructions for an opened pack. |
| Soya allergen information | Check the current ingredient declaration and keep information for drinks and prepared menu items accurate and accessible. Review how staff prevent cross-contact during service. | Before choosing a drink or food made with it, I need to know whether it contains soya. UK Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland guidance requires food businesses to provide allergen information for prepacked and non-prepacked food and drink. |
A soya drink can be a dairy-free option while still containing soya, which matters to diners with a soya allergy.
Check each product’s ingredients, keep the canteen’s allergen information current and make it available before diners choose. Follow the applicable Food Standards Agency or Food Standards Scotland guidance when preparing and serving drinks.
The UK SACN and COT assessment says plant-based drinks vary considerably in nutrient content and fortification. A different variant may therefore not meet the same menu specification.
Specify the nutrients the canteen needs to check, then review the current pack or supplier information for the exact product being ordered.
An unopened carton’s storage format does not determine how long it can be kept once opened.
Compare likely use with the chosen carton’s opened-pack instructions, and mark the opening date as part of the canteen’s routine.
Cartons left open beyond their stated use period may go to waste.
The cited Alpro No Sugars soya drink is a UHT product. Waitrose & Partners lists added calcium, iodine and vitamins B2, B12 and D2 for that product.
Tesco lists an unsweetened 1 L soya drink with added calcium, iodine, vitamin B12, riboflavin and vitamin D2.
Waitrose & Partners describes its Essential Unsweetened Soya Drink as UHT and fortified with calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, vitamin B2 and iodine.
M&S lists an unsweetened soya drink fortified with calcium, iodine, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
These two Alpro soya drink listings offer cartons to consider for lunch service. Check each current pack against the canteen’s sugar, fortification and storage requirements.
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For a canteen considering long-life, no-sugars soya drink, this listing is for eight 1 L cartons. Check the exact pack for required fortification and its storage instructions, including what to do after opening. Soya allergen information must be available at service.
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For regular lunch service, check whether this Alpro OG variant’s current sugar declaration and storage instructions fit the canteen’s routine. Confirm any required fortification on the exact pack, and make soya allergen information available to diners.
Yes, when the exact product’s current ingredients and labelling support that description. Dairy-free does not mean soya-free: identify soya in the canteen’s allergen information rather than presenting the drink as suitable for someone with a soya allergy.
Yes. Food Standards Agency and Food Standards Scotland guidance says food businesses must provide allergen information for prepacked and non-prepacked food and drink. Check the ingredients used and make accurate soya information available before diners choose.
An unsweetened carton is a practical choice when the canteen wants to offer an unsweetened drink with cereal or beverages. Check the current product’s sugars declaration per 100 ml and consider whether another variant is also needed for the menu.
Follow the storage and use instructions on the exact carton purchased. Mark when it was opened and plan stock around expected use; do not assume that a long-life carton can remain outside the fridge after opening.
No. The UK SACN and COT assessment says plant-based drinks vary considerably in nutrient content and fortification. Check the current label for calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 or iodine if any of these are required for the canteen’s menu specification.