Latest news with #soymilk
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The #1 High-Protein Drink to Help Ease Hot Flashes, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Kelly Plowe, M.S., RDKey Points Hot flashes are common in perimenopause and menopause, but there are ways to help manage them. Soy milk offers a simple, way to help ease symptoms, thanks to its natural supply of isoflavones. Healthy habits like physical activity and cutting back on alcohol can also help with hot flashes, mood swings and sleepless nights. Welcome to perimenopause and menopause. Women spend around 30% of their lives in menopause, and 52% of women experience hot flashes in the years leading up to and after their last period. While some women seek medical help for this symptom, many turn to natural remedies to find relief. One simple, yet powerful addition you can make to your diet? Soy milk. Thanks to its naturally occurring phytoestrogens, soy milk may help ease the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. Keep reading to learn why soy milk ranks as one of the best drinks to manage hot flashes, creative ways to enjoy it and other expert-approved tips to feel like yourself again. Why Soy Milk Tops the List Soy foods have long been used to support women as estrogen levels start to decline during perimenopause and menopause. 'The isoflavones in soy milk may help in reducing hot flashes,' says Lisa Andrews, RD, LD. Isoflavones are phytoestrogens with a structure similar to estrogen that bind to certain estrogen receptors in the body. One cup of soy milk has approximately 30 milligrams of isoflavones. Several small studies have been conducted over the past few decades to evaluate whether soy may alleviate hot flashes, and the results show some promise. A meta-analysis found that soy isoflavones may reduce the frequency of hot flashes by up to 20% and the severity by up to 26%. The amount of soy isoflavones needed to have an effect was found to be right around 40 milligrams per day, which is less than 1.5 cups of soy milk. Some research suggests that following a plant-forward diet may increase the effectiveness of soy foods in reducing hot flashes. A particular isoflavone called daidzein is metabolized in the gut to produce equol, which may be the compound that has the biggest effect on reducing hot flashes. Western diets tend to convert less daidzein to equol, but shifting the diet to include more plants may increase its production. Despite the promising research, there has been some skepticism about the safety of soy for menopausal women. But while some hormone replacement therapies, including those with estrogen and progestins, come with an increased risk of breast cancer, phytoestrogens from food don't seem to have the same relationship. People in cultures that eat large amounts of soy foods see lower incidences of breast cancer and vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes than women in America do. Sipping soy milk may also offer the added benefit of improved bone health, which is notoriously affected by menopause. The same isoflavones that help reduce hot flashes may help support bone mineral density and optimal bone turnover. Plus, soy milk is higher in protein than most other plant-based milks, says Andrews, which helps stimulate bone growth. And if you choose soy milk that's been fortified with calcium, that's another win for strong bones. How to Enjoy Soy Milk While you can drink a glass of cold soy milk, that's far from the only way to get this beverage into your diet. Here are some easy and delicious ways to increase your soy milk intake: In a smoothie. Blend soy milk with frozen fruit, leafy greens and flaxseed or nut butter for a balanced, hormone-friendly breakfast or snack. Soy milk gives your smoothie a creamy texture and adds a boost of protein. In your morning coffee. If you typically add milk to your coffee, swap it out for soy milk. You can also make a delicious latte at home by gently warming and frothing your soy milk before adding strong-brewed coffee or espresso and a sprinkle of cinnamon. With cereal. Pour soy milk over your favorite whole-grain cereal or granola. In overnight oats. Soak oats overnight in soy milk, instead of dairy milk or water, for a quick and easy breakfast on the go. Other Strategies for Managing Hot Flashes While adding soy milk to your diet can help, here are some other evidence-based methods to manage your hot flash symptoms: Avoid alcohol. 'Alcohol is known to exacerbate hot flashes,' says Andrews. Not only is heavier alcohol use associated with a higher risk of vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes, but it's also associated with an earlier onset of these symptoms in perimenopause. Stay hydrated. 'Water and cooling foods, like cucumbers, citrus, leafy greens, help with thermoregulation,' says Isabel Balady, RD, CDN. Other hydrating foods include tomatoes, cherries and berries. Get regular exercise. 'Aim for a mix of strength, cardio and rest days to support overall hormone health without overdoing it,' says Balady. While exercise may raise your body temperature temporarily, the available evidence suggests that regular moderate-intensity exercise may decrease hot flash symptoms. Our Expert Take Hot flashes can be a frustrating part of perimenopause and menopause, but you can take steps to manage them. Sipping soy milk daily offers a simple, research-backed way to help ease symptoms, thanks to its natural supply of isoflavones. Paired with other healthy habits like getting regular physical activity, staying hydrated and cutting back on alcohol, you can support your body's hormones to stay as comfortably cool as possible. If you're unsure whether soy milk is the best choice for you, check with your health care provider or a registered dietitian. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
The Australian
28-07-2025
- Health
- The Australian
South Australia bans ads for soy milk and rice cakes under new junk food rules
The South Australian Government has come under fire after officially banning advertisements for fortified soy milk and rice cakes on public transport, labelling the household staples as 'junk food'. The policy, which came into effect today, prevents a wide range of food and drink products from being advertised on state-owned assets. While intended as a public health initiative, the inclusion of products often seen as healthy alternatives, such as soy milk and rice cakes, and even ham salad sandwiches has triggered widespread confusion. Rice cakes didn't escape the state's 'junk food' ad ban. Fortified soy milk is a plant-based beverage made from soybeans that has been enriched with essential nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. One of the country's most well-known fortified soy milk brands, So Good, has all its soy milk varieties rated five stars under the Health Star Rating system. Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) CEO Josh Faulks said the decision has left both industry and consumers baffled and called for a more science-based, objective framework. 'We fully support measures that encourage healthier choices, but the implementation of these policies must be based on credible, evidence-based criteria,' Mr Faulks said. 'The government has not been able to clearly articulate what is in and what is out of their banned list and has told businesses to submit their ads to an expert panel for assessment if they are unsure. 'This list should be science-based, objective and create certainty for business, not create more confusion.' Fortified soy milk is a plant-based beverage made from soybeans that has been enriched with essential nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. He warned the policy could backfire by sending 'a contradictory message to consumers' and undermining trust in health-based campaigns. 'The government is effectively discouraging people from consuming what are widely considered to be nutritious core foods,' he said. To address the growing uncertainty, the AANA has urged the South Australian Government to adopt the Nutrient Profiling Scoring Criteria developed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), an independent federal agency that guides national food standards. The agency's criteria are already used to inform food labelling and health claims across all Australian states and territories. Mr Faulks also raised concerns about the policy's potential economic fallout. 'The oat and almond farmers in South Australia may be surprised to know that their government wants people to drink less oat and almond milk,' he said. 'The official policy objective is to drive down purchase and consumption of these products.' Read related topics: Health
CNA
10-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
'We waited and waited': Jollibean staff allege unpaid wages, CPF contributions amid sudden outlet closures
Singapore Once a household name with more than 30 outlets across the island, Jollibean only has a handful of outlets to its name today. 10 Jul 2025 08:17PM (Updated: 10 Jul 2025 08:28PM) SINGAPORE: Several outlets of soy milk retailer Jollibean have shut in the past year, with its workers claiming that they have been owed months of salaries and Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions. Once a household name with more than 30 outlets spanning the island, there are only five physical Jollibean outlets still operating. Asked about his workers' unpaid salaries, the director of Jollibean Foods Shahrul Nazrin Mohd Dahlan told CNA that the company has a new owner and is working closely with the authorities to resolve salary issues by the end of the month. Mr Shahrul Nazrin, who is still listed in public business records as the company's director, indicated that the closure of an outlet was part of a downsizing exercise, but did not say why the company did not pay its workers on time. Speaking to CNA, past staff members from Jollibean also described how they arrived at work only to find that their outlets had been closed without any prior notice from the company. "At first, we worked so hard and did not get paid so we were very emotional. Now I think, just forget it. I will just treat it as charity," said one such worker, who had yet to receive her wages for the last month of work. All eight current and present workers that CNA spoke to declined to be identified to not jeopardise any chance that they will be paid eventually. Some said they were continuing to work at Jollibean because they still hoped to get back what they were owed. Of the eight local outlets presently listed on Jollibean's website, three are no longer in operation. These outlets, located at Lavender MRT Station, Raffles Place MRT station and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital were shuttered as of Tuesday (Jul 8). The stores at Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Raffles Place MRT Station were hoarded up, while the Lavender MRT Station branch had a notice tacked to the door stating that the premises had been repossessed by SMRT Trains from Jun 30. In response to queries, the Food, Drinks and Allied Workers Union (FDAWU), a trade union affiliated to the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), said that Jollibean is a non-unionised company. "Affected workers can approach the Tripartite Alliance for Dispute Management (TADM) to make an appointment for advisory services on employment disputes, an FDAWU spokesperson said in a statement issued to CNA on Wednesday (Jul 9). CNA has reached out to TADM and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for comment. Only boards remain where Jollibean once stood at Raffles Place MRT Station (left) and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (right). (Photos: CNA/Koh Wan Ting) Founded in Singapore in 1995, Jollibean became well-loved for its signature soya milk and traditional pancake snack, which it sold through kiosks located in high-traffic areas like shopping malls and MRT stations. In 2012, Jollibean Foods was acquired by Malaysia's F&B operator Berjaya Food for a cash consideration of S$7.5 million (US$5.86 million) at a time when there were 35 outlets in Singapore. By June 2023, there were only 19 Jollibean outlets here, according to an annual report that year by Berjaya Food. The brand's popularity took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Berjaya Food explaining the reasons in the annual report. The company attributed a drop in Jollibean's revenue to weakening consumer sentiment, reduced foot traffic in the Central Business District due to flexible work arrangements, increasing cost of living and the uncertain economic outlook. Despite the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, challenges persisted, the report noted. It found that consumers were sensitive to prices in terms of spending, and preferred freshly prepared hot meals rather than grab-and-go options. The report also blamed the inflated cost of goods and escalated operational expenses for losses. Berjaya Food completed its "disposal" of Jollibean Foods by November 2023, casting its future into further doubt. This meant that the company was sold at S$637,000, far lower than what it had been acquired for. At Rivervale Mall, Jollibean is still listed in the shopping centre's directory but the unit is boarded up. (Photo: CNA/Koh Wan Ting) At the Jollibean outlet in Pioneer MRT Station, which closed on Dec 27 last year, one staff member described how SMRT Trains had repossessed the premises when they arrived for work, and its five staff members would lose their jobs that day. They said they were not given advanced notice or explanation for the abrupt termination. Similarly, at the Lavender MRT outlet, the premises were locked up and a notice placed on the door informing customers of the repossession from Jun 30. A 68-year-old woman who had worked part-time at the Pioneer MRT outlet for the past five to six years recalled how she had arrived at work for her usual shift but was told to pack up immediately. "The moment I stepped through the door, my leader said 'today you don't need to work, you need to close shop'," she said in Mandarin in a phone interview. "She did not say why ... I called my co-workers to tell them that the store is closing and to come down and see it for the last time." She said that the company still owed her salary for the last month of work, amounting to more than S$1,000, along with three months of unpaid CPF. The affected staff members visited Jollibean's headquarters in Pasir Panjang over their unpaid salaries sometime in January or February, and were told that the money would be credited by the next month. They were also told that they would receive a letter of guarantee that they would be paid. "So we waited and waited, until now, July, there is no news," the 68-year-old woman said. "It's the first time I've encountered this kind of situation and I don't have experience in what to do," she said. Asked if she had considered lodging a report with the authorities, the woman said she was unwilling to go through the trouble. "At first, we worked so hard and did not get paid so we were very emotional. Now I think, just forget it." "I will just treat it as charity," said the woman wistfully. A fellow part-timer, a 74-year-old woman who prepared food at the same store for more than a decade, was the only one from her branch to have approached TADM for help. While she was initially prepared to let the matter go, her son said otherwise. "He said that it's my hard-earned money, even if it's just S$1,000, why don't you get it back?" she said. She and her son approached TADM, who worked out a scheme to have Jollibean pay the salary in monthly instalments. "We went to the authorities in April, but now it is July and we have not received a cent," she said, adding that she felt helpless. "The authorities have intervened but the company is still dragging its feet, it's hopeless. And it's money earned from hard work, not just money you get from sitting around," she said. Several workers said their salaries were usually credited by the seventh of each month, but one 49-year-old counter staff member said is still waiting to receive her salaries for May and June. She said she last checked her bank accounts on Tuesday. "We come from overseas to make a living. It doesn't matter if the work is hard or if we earn more or less, we just hope to be paid on time," the Chinese national said. "Without getting my pay, I have no mood to work," she said, adding that she needed money for basic necessities and rent, which was due in two days. An employee at a different outlet in central Singapore who had been employed by Jollibean for around three years said that her wages still came in regularly, but after a delay of more than a month. The worker, who wanted to be known only by her name Mars, 40, said she was fine with the current situation. A co-worker at the same outlet said that the company had stopped paying its CPF contributions from last November, with the exception of March. When she asked her supervisor about the situation, she was told that it was not known when funds would be available. Despite this, some Jollibean employees said they will continue working because they believe that their salaries will soon be paid and a new "boss" will be taking over in July. However, none of the staff members, including a manager, knew who this new employer was. Similar to its outlet at Pioneer MRT Station, Jollibean's branch at Lavender MRT Station has a notice declaring that the premises have been repossessed by SMRT Trains. (Photo: CNA/Koh Wan Ting) Speaking to CNA, Jollibean's director Mr Shahrul Nazrin said the closure of the Pioneer MRT outlet was part of a downsizing exercise. He claimed that he was "resigning" and a new owner will be taking over the business, but declined to reveal the party's identity. "We are resolving it with MOM, we are settling it by the end of this week. Everything is going to be resolved soon, there's a new capital injection with a new shareholder, so everything will be resolved financially," he said. He added that parties were in the midst of completing the paperwork and are expected to settle payments by the end of this month. "The new owners taking over ... they've been in the F&B business for more than 30 years so they know what they are doing. They are taking over and then they (are) expanding," he said. Based on public records, the only shareholder of Jollibean Foods is holding company Joybean Inc, which also lists Mr Shahrul Nazrin as its director. Outside of Singapore, Jollibean has six outlets in Hong Kong and markets itself as a Singapore soymilk brand. CNA has also reached out to Jollibean's listed contact on its website, but has not received a response. soy milk cost of living F&B local business
CNET
12-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Which Plant-Based Milk is Best: Oat Milk, Almond Milk or Coconut Milk
There are many reasons you could chose to look for a nondairy milk option. From health reasons to environmental concerns, no matter the reason there are lots of choices. Soy milk, hemp milk and a wide range of other plant-based milks mean there are a variety of flavors to choose from. Maria Sylvester Terry, a registered dietitian, shares her thoughts on 10 (10!) different plant-based milks you can try as an alternative to dairy milk. Read more: Vegan Cheese: As Good As the Real Thing? Soy milk Getty Images "If someone's looking for a dairy milk substitute, soy milk is the plant-based option that is the closest," Terry says. "Soy is an incredible food that naturally contains numerous nutrients, whereas other plant-based milks may need additional enrichment of vitamins and minerals." Plus, soy milk is one of the most widely available and it's a budget-friendly milk alternative, so it's accessible for more people. Pros Soy is a plant-based complete protein, which means it contains all 10 essential amino acids. It's inexpensive compared to other plant-based milks. Cons For some folks the flavor of soy milk is an initial hurdle, but choosing a flavored variety may help overcome this. Soy milk does not naturally contain as much calcium as dairy milk, so look for calcium-fortified options if that's important to you. Read more: These Pro Athletes Went Vegan: Why They Switched and How You Can, Too Almond milk Getty Images Almond milk is everywhere. I'd venture to guess that it's used just as much, if not more, than soy milk these days. "Due to its status as the go-to plant-based milk, you'll find it everywhere, from coffee shops to corner stores to wholesale grocery stores," Terry says, which makes almond milk one of the best plant-based milks simply because it's so accessible. Pros Almond milk contains omega-3 fatty acids that are important for heart health, as well as the antioxidant It's naturally low in sugar. It's a fairly versatile and accessible option that's available in a variety of flavors. Cons Despite almonds themselves being a nutritious whole food with protein and fat, almond milk is not considered a source of protein, Terry says. This is because almonds are stripped of many of their nutrients during the "milking" process. If you're looking to replace calcium-rich dairy milk with almond milk, you'll want to ensure you're getting calcium in your diet from other foods. Check the label for additives and gums Oat milk Olivia Geyelin With its creamy consistency, oat milk is an optimal dairy milk substitute in baked goods, soups, lattes and more. This plant-based milk has more carbohydrates than other options, Terry says, which makes for a good pre- or post-workout drink. Oat milk has more fiber than some other plant milks, including almond, rice and coconut milks. If you're into sustainability, oat milk is considered one of the more sustainable milk alternatives. Pros Oat milk contains naturally occurring fiber and protein, and it's fortified with nutrients such as vitamins A, B2, B12 and D, as well as minerals calcium and phosphorus. It's an allergen-friendly option that doesn't contain lactose, nuts or soy. If it's made with certified gluten-free oats, it's a safe option for those with Celiac disease It's easy to make at home Cons While some people love the flavor and thick texture, other people find it a turn-off. Luckily, you can try several different brands and flavors to find one you like, or just choose another plant milk. Clearly, they're plentiful! Oats are a nutritious food, but drinking oat milk shouldn't be equated with eating whole oats. Some of the nutrients are lost in processing, Terry says. Cashew milk Getty Images This is a "versatile plant-based option with a creamy texture," according to Terry, and its price is on par with almond milk. It's also available in most grocery stores. Cashew milk has a nuttier taste than most plant-based milks and it's rather sweet. If you prefer a subtler taste, cashew milk might not be the right choice for you. Pros Homemade cashew milk packs 20% of your daily needs of magnesium Some store-bought varieties contain more calcium than dairy milk. Cons There can be a big difference in nutritional profiles between store-bought cashew milk and homemade, Terry says. Homemade varieties are usually higher in fiber, protein and fat. Store-bought cashew milk may be lower in calories than homemade cashew milk, but it may also have less protein and healthy fats. Cashew milk is not a good dairy replacement if you're looking for plant-based milk with high protein content. Macadamia milk Getty Images Because macadamia milk has a "more balanced flavor compared to other nut milks, it could be used on a more frequent basis and in various foods and beverages, " Terry says, whereas other plant milks with stronger flavors (like cashew milk) have limited uses. Pros Nutritionally, macadamia milk has generous amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12. Its consistency tends to be on the thicker side, making it a stronger choice for coffee drinks. A macadamia milk latte might hit the spot. Cons It's pricier compared to more mainstream plant-based milks, such as almond and soy. It's also not in as many stores as more popular milk alternatives, so it's not as accessible. The higher fat content makes this a higher-calorie nut milk, which isn't inherently a bad thing, but something to be mindful of if you're trying to lose weight. Banana milk Mooala Yes, banana milk is a thing, and it's actually rather yummy (if you like bananas). Taste-wise, banana milk compares to sipping on a "healthified" milkshake. It's sweet, slightly fruity and super-creamy. Banana milk is a "fun choice to add flavor to smoothies, baked goods, oatmeal, and maybe even your coffee," Terry says. "Can you imagine banana milk with Honey Nut Cheerios?" Pros Banana milk packs 8% of your daily needs for potassium, 25% of daily calcium needs (fortified, not naturally occurring) and contains vitamins B6 and C. It has a sweet, creamy banana flavor without added sugar (unless you opt for the chocolate flavor). Banana milk is easy to make at home. Cons Currently there's only one brand you can buy in stores, Mooala. As banana milk grows in popularity, other companies will probably jump on the bandwagon. However, until that happens, accessibility to store-bought banana milk may be limited for some. Banana milk lacks vitamin D compared to other plant milks, most of which are fortified with vitamin D. Rice milk Getty Images Rice milk is an allergy-friendly option for those who need to avoid nuts, seeds, soy or lactose, explains Terry. It's also a widely accessible option sold in various grocery stores. Rice milk has the highest carbohydrate content of all the plant-based milks on this list (not including sweetened and flavored options), but that's not a bad thing unless you need to watch your carb intake for health reasons. Pros Rice milk is inexpensive. It's fortified with vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B12 and D, and calcium. It has a mild flavor that's lightly sweet and versatile. Cons Rice milk is known to have a watery consistency. It may contain added sugars, gums and additives for flavor, consistency and shelf-life. Check the label for ingredients if you're looking to avoid specific additives. It is not a source of protein. Pea milk Ripple Another great allergy-friendly option, pea milk is made from yellow peas and is naturally soy-, gluten-, lactose-, and nut-free. Ripple is the best-known maker of pea milk, and Ripple milk has a pretty impressive nutrient profile compared to other plant milks. Pros Pea milk is high in protein -- eight ounces of Ripple pea milk contains eight grams of protein, making this a "solid choice for those looking for a protein-rich milk or a dairy substitute," Terry says. Pea protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids. It's a good source of omega-3s (from algal oil) and calcium. It provides vitamins A and D Cons It has a chalky sensation and aftertaste, according to some. Certain types and flavors of pea milk are high in sugar. Hemp milk Pacific Foods Soy was once the only known plant-based source of a complete protein, but hemp seeds provide all 10 essential amino acids, too. The flavor is earthy and nutty, and as with all plant-based milks, some will love it while others won't. Pros Hemp seeds contain ample magnesium, folate, phosphorus and potassium. Store-bought options tend to be fortified with additional calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A, B12 and D. Higher in unsaturated healthy fats (omega-3 and omega-6) than other plant milks. Cons Hemp is known to interact with certain prescription medications. The high fat content in hemp may lead to digestive upset if you consume too much at once, but this is unlikely to happen with hemp milk, since it's not concentrated hemp. Coconut milk Getty Images Coconut milk is less of a drinking beverage and more of an ingredient for cooking, but some varieties of coconut milk do taste good on their own. As far as accessibility, you can probably get coconut milk at your local grocery store. Pros Coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides and is loaded with minerals, including manganese, magnesium, potassium, copper and selenium. It's high in fiber compared to other plant-based milks. Versatile -- You can find many varieties of coconut milk available for different culinary needs, such as drinks, sauces, baking, cooking. Cons Higher in calories and fat. Again, this isn't inherently bad, but it-could be a con for some, depending on personal health needs, goals and lifestyle choices. It's not a protein-rich milk. Which plant-based milk is best? Getty Images "When it comes to choosing the most well-rounded option for the combination of nutrition, sustainability and versatility, oat milk and hemp milk come out on top in my opinion," Terry says. With so many plant-based milks on the market, it can be hard to find "the one," but unless you don't have access to multiple variations, you don't have to stick to just one type. "Various plant-based milks means diverse uses, culinary benefits and nutritional benefits," Terry says. "You may have one for your coffee, one for smoothies, one for baking, one for cooking [and] making sauces." If you're looking for a protein-rich, plant-based milk to replace dairy milk, Terry recommends soy milk or pea milk. Most plant-based milks are fortified with calcium and other vitamins and minerals to match or even surpass the nutritional quality of cow's milk, so protein becomes the main factor. Oh, and don't be scared of the gums and emulsifiers you see on the ingredients lists of plant-based milks. While these ingredients may cause digestive upset for some people, they're harmless for most people, Terry says. You may have heard phrases like "Don't eat ingredients that you can't pronounce" or "If you can't recognize it, neither can your body." In 2016, for example, an ad campaign attempted to demonize the additives in almond milk by scaring watchers into thinking lecithin was a shady ingredient. "These phrases are neither helpful nor accurate," Terry says. "For example, plant milks may contain added 'alpha-tocopherols' which, sure, may be hard to pronounce, but is simply a type of vitamin E." Finally, look out for sweetened flavors when shopping for plant-based milks. You might toss a harmless-looking chocolate almond milk carton into your basket, only to realize later that one eight-ounce glass has as much sugar as a candy bar. As always, reading nutrition labels can help you make healthy decisions.
Free Malaysia Today
01-06-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
How Zuhaymee's hunt for halal tofu sparked soybean biz
Mie Soya Enterprise owner Zuhaymee Mustapa and wife Nor Aza Jais with a selection of products made at their factory in Sikamat, Seremban. (Bernama pic) SEREMBAN : When he experienced difficulty obtaining halal soy-based products, one former soldier decided to start producing them himself 30 years ago. Zuhaymee Mustapa, 56, said his concerns over the hygiene and preparation of commercially sold products inspired him to come up with a trusted option for consumers, especially Muslims. 'Back then, it was quite hard to find soy products made by Muslims. I thought it would be great to start something that focused on quality, so the products would have a unique taste and texture, and most importantly be halal. 'For example, it used to be hard to get halal white tofu and puffed tofu made by Bumiputeras. That's what drove me to start my business and keep going. I want to make sure our products stay on the market,' said Zuhaymee, who retired from the armed forces in 2001. The owner of Mie Soya Enterprise said his three workers have also been taught to maintain cleanliness and start work by reciting verses from the Quran as a way of seeking blessings in the business. The father of three also assures consumers that every product from his company has been halal-certified by the Islamic development department. Check out this beautiful slab of tofu, sliced and ready for packaging and distribution. (Bernama pic) Recalling the early days, Zuhaymee said he started by selling soymilk and tau foo fa on a small scale in 1995, delivering them door to door on a tricycle and at night markets. Determined to expand his business, he set up a factory in Taman Jujur, Sikamat, in 2006 to process soy-based products including white tofu, fried tofu, tempeh (fermented soybeans), and puffed tofu. 'Before my factory, I used to make all the products at home. I received RM20,000 in assistance from the Seremban district agriculture department and a grant from the finance ministry, which helped me grow the business,' he said. The Kedah native admitted that breaking into the market was challenging, especially given that soy products are commonly linked to the Chinese community. But through hard work and a commitment to quality, he has won over many customers. 'Alhamdulillah, our products are now known not just in Negeri Sembilan but in almost every state except Sabah and Sarawak, because of the long distance and the risk of damage during shipping,' he explained. Soybeans being weighed before they are placed in a grinder at Zuhaymee's factory, which is open to visitors daily except on Sundays. (Bernama pic) According to Zuhaymee, they produce 6,000 pieces of tempeh, 2,000 pieces of white tofu, 8,000 pieces of puffed tofu and 2,000 pieces of fried tofu for retailers, including restaurants, daily. The soybeans are imported from Canada and the United States. Zuhaymee, who is assisted by his wife Nor Aza Jais, 50, recalled that they once lost thousands of ringgit when a power outage spoiled 60 litres of soymilk. 'We take it as a lesson that keeps us prepared for whatever might come, and we try to stay positive. I hope we can continue making halal products,' he said. He also invites visitors to his factory, which is open daily from 8.30am to 1pm except on Sundays. Mie Soya Enterprise 271, Jalan Jujur Kanan, Taman Jujur, Sikamat, 70400 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan For more information, visit Mie Soya Enterprise's website and Facebook profile.
