Japan Soy Milk Association Designates June 12th as "Healthy Soy Latte Day"

The Japan Soy Milk Association (Secretariat: Kanda-Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Chairman: Koichi Yamazaki, President and Representative Director of Kikkoman Soyfoods Co., Ltd.; Secretary-General: Toru Abe, hereinafter referred to as "Soy Milk Association") established "Healthy Soy Latte Day" on June 12th last year and is engaged in awareness and enlightenment activities for soy latte.

In recent years, soy latte has become a standard menu item at cafes and convenience stores. It was once often chosen as a milk alternative. However, it has now evolved into a beverage enjoyed for a wide range of purposes, from health and beauty to sports scenes. Surveys by the Japan Soy Milk Association also report that soy latte popularity is increasing, particularly among young people. To commemorate "Healthy Soy Latte Day" on June 12th, we will introduce the appeal and health benefits of soy latte.

What is Soy Latte?

Soy latte is a beverage that combines coffee or espresso with soy milk, characterized by a satisfying taste where the aroma of coffee harmonizes with the mellow sweetness of soy milk. In recent years, more people are choosing it because "it's delicious" or "for health reasons," and it is gaining attention as a new lifestyle beverage. The Soy Milk Association also broadly defines lattes that combine soy milk with ingredients other than coffee, such as matcha and fruits, as "soy lattes."

Three Reasons Why Soy Latte is Gaining Attention

① Easy replenishment of plant-based protein

200ml of soy milk contains approximately 7g of protein. Japanese people are pointed out to have a chronic protein deficiency, and it is important to consume high-quality protein daily. Soy milk is a plant-based protein that supports the building of a healthy body.

② Health benefits of coffee are also noteworthy

Coffee contains "chlorogenic acid," a type of polyphenol. Epidemiological studies have reported that coffee drinkers have a lower incidence of liver cancer compared to non-drinkers, with its antioxidant effects being noted as a contributing factor. Soy latte is expected to be a beverage that allows you to incorporate the benefits of both soy milk and coffee at once.

③ Contributes to building healthy lifestyle habits

In recent years, the increase in fatty liver and lifestyle-related diseases has become a social issue. Experts point out the importance of "moderate exercise" and "a diet conscious of protein intake" for preventing fatty liver. Soy milk, which allows for efficient intake of plant-based protein, is considered one of the foods that can help in this regard. Switching your daily coffee to soy latte can be the first step towards a healthy habit that can be continued without difficulty.

Soy Latte: A Good Match for Sports and Training

Soy latte is also gaining attention for post-exercise nutrition. Protein is essential for maintaining and growing muscles. Soy latte, which combines protein replenishment from soy milk with the properties of caffeine contained in coffee, is introduced as an accessible option for people who enjoy sports.

Soy Latte: "The Health Beverage of the Future"

In the field of health science, it is becoming clear that organs work in close coordination to support health, such as the "gut-brain axis" and the "relationship between muscles and the brain." Furthermore, with the advent of the "100-year lifespan" era, there is growing interest in foods and beverages that contribute not only to nutritional intake but also to maintaining physical and mental condition and extending healthy life expectancy. Plant-based proteins and soy-derived components in soy milk, as well as polyphenols in coffee, are attracting attention in these health research fields, and their potential is expected to be further elucidated in the future. Additionally, as global interest in plant-based foods with low environmental impact increases, soy latte is gaining attention as a suitable option for future lifestyles.

"Healthy Soy Latte Day" on June 12th, where "6" symbolizes harmony and "12" is a pun for "Soy Milk (Tounyu)," is a commemorative day that supports health improvement during the rainy season while enjoying the "harmony" of soy milk with various beverages and ingredients. The Japan Soy Milk Association proposes a soy latte lifestyle for maintaining a healthy and richer life.