"I Tried It Because It Was Trending and Lost Weight Fast"...The Soybean Milk Craze Shaking Up the Diet Market

SNS Searches Surge After Appearance on Entertainment Program
Rich in Protein and Highly Satiating, Popular Among Dieters

Sora Lee served a 'Soy Milk Smoothie' made with soy milk, chia seeds, and blueberries to Jin Kyung Hong. Screenshot from MBC's 'Sora and Jin Kyung' YouTube channel

The popularity of 'soybean milk' has been rapidly rising recently. Once considered just a seasonal summer treat or a traditional ingredient, soybean milk is now gaining a stronger presence in the market as it aligns with the consumption trends of modern people seeking both wellness and weight loss.

This trend was sparked by the recent broadcast of MBC's entertainment program 'Sora and Jin Kyung.' After model Sora Lee and broadcaster Jin Kyung Hong introduced recipes using soybean milk on the show, the number of searches and posts related to 'soybean milk diet' and 'soybean milk smoothie' has surged across various social networking services (SNS).

Users who have tried the recipes themselves have also shared positive feedback, such as "I tried it and really lost weight quickly," "If I eat it for breakfast, I don't feel hungry until dinner," and "It's a really easy dieting method," drawing even more attention to the trend.

"High in protein and very filling"...Sora Lee lost 3kg drinking 'soybean milk'

The 'soybean milk smoothie' introduced by Sora Lee on the show is a simple blend made by adding chia seeds and blueberries to soybean milk. Lee stated, "I made soybean milk smoothies a staple and lost 3kg in a short period," adding that "it's suitable as a breakfast replacement."

Sora Lee served a 'Soymilk Smoothie' made with soymilk, chia seeds, and blueberries to Jin Kyung Hong. Screenshot from MBC's 'Sora and Jin Kyung' YouTube.

In fact, soybean milk is rich in plant-based protein, contains unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial for vascular health, and is high in dietary fiber that helps improve gut health, making it an ideal option for meal replacement. Its convenience—being drinkable without any separate cooking process—also makes it a top choice for busy people looking for easy meal alternatives.

White soybeans out, black soybeans in...Diversification of consumer preferences

With growing interest in soybean milk, consumers have started to pay more attention to the composition and origin of products. A notable trend is the increasing number of consumers seeking domestic black soybeans (Seomoktae), which are more nutrient-dense than regular white soybeans.

Photo of beans. Pixabay

In particular, additive-free products made by grinding whole black soybeans, including the skin, are characterized by a higher soybean content and fewer added ingredients. For instance, Seomoktae black soybean milk developed by researchers at Seoul National University has sold over five million packs, leading the additive-free 'black soybean milk' market by increasing soybean content without adding water or sugar.

Industry insiders predict that, as consumers continue to prioritize health and nutritional value, demand for plant-based high-protein beverages will continue to grow steadily.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.