Healthy Lifestyle

Not many foodie and nutrition websites take dairy alternatives into account. So if you’re looking for reliable information and answers to some of the most commonly asked questions, this is a great place to start. However please don’t rely on our site for all of your nutrition questions.

If you are looking for specific information about your diet, food allergies and sensitivities, we suggest you speak to an Accredited Practising Dietician. You can find a dietician near you at Dietitians Association of Australia.

Also, to find out more about allergies, you can visit The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy’s website at www.allergy.org.au.

Frequently asked questions

I am looking to increase the amount of calcium in my diet. What products can I use and why?

The majority of Vitasoy products are calcium enriched including Vitasoy Soy Milk, Rice Milk and Oat Milk, providing 37% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of calcium. If you are looking for a higher calcium soy milk please try the Vitasoy Calci-Plus since it is calcium enriched, with 50% of your RDI for calcium and vitamin D in one 250 ml serve. Please enjoy Vitasoy products as part of a well-balanced diet and exercise plan, and for any specific dietary questions consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietician.

I follow a gluten free diet. Which of your products can I use?

The Vitasoy products that are gluten free include: Vitasoy Soy Milky (Regular and Lite), Protein Plus, Chocolate, Vanilla, Coconut, Almond and Rice Milk. If you would like more information about a specific product please head to our product page. We also recommend that for any specific dietary questions, please consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietician.

I have trouble digesting lactose. Which of your products can I use?

Thank you for your enquiry. All Vitasoy products are lactose free.

I have been told to look for products with a low GI. Why is this important?

Glycemic Index (GI) is a way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods according to their immediate effect on our blood sugar levels. Glycemic Index is a ranking from 0 to 100, with glucose having a ranking of 100 and all foods are compared to this. A low GI food has a GI value of 55 and below. Carbohydrates and sugar are broken down into simple sugars in the body and enter our blood as glucose, to provide a source of energy. Carbohydrates that both break down and release glucose slowly into the blood have a low GI. These foods can provide sustained energy. Foods with a low GI can help people control their hunger and appetite, to help feel fuller for longer. Consuming low GI foods may also be used as a way by some people to help manage their blood sugar levels. The Vitasoy Soy milk range has been GI tested at an accredited testing centre and has a low GI. Please enjoy Vitasoy products as part of a well balanced diet and exercise plan, and for any specific dietary questions consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietician.

I am looking to proactively manage my weight and have been told that I should use low GI products?

When managing your weight, a well-balanced eating plan and exercise regimen are important. Enjoy plenty of fruits and vegetables, wholegrain breads and cereals, lean meats or alternatives, and reduced or low fat dairy or alternatives, such as soy. Glycemic Index (GI) is a way of ranking carbohydrate-containing foods according to their immediate effect on our blood sugar levels. Glycemic Index is a ranking from 0 to 100, with glucose having a ranking of 100 and all foods are compared to this. A low GI food has a GI value of 55 and below. Carbohydrates and sugar are broken down into simple sugars in the body and enter our blood as glucose to provide a source of energy. Carbohydrates that both break down and release glucose slowly into the blood have a low GI. These foods can provide sustained energy. Foods with a low GI can help people control their hunger and appetite, to help feel fuller for longer. For any specific dietary questions, please consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietician.

I am looking to increase fibre in my diet? What products can I use?

Dietary fibre is a component of food that our bodies are unable to digest in our stomach and so it passes through to our gut. Dietary fibre is an important part of our diet, as consuming an adequate amount can help maintain a healthy digestive system. It is recommended that adults consume 25 to 30 grams of fibre a day. There are two main types of dietary fibre: soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre may be used (or ‘fermented’) in the gut by bacteria, whereas insoluble fibre may pass through helping to keep us ‘regular’. Consuming a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and wholegrain breads and cereals will provide a combination of both types of dietary fibre.

I am having trouble with menopause and have read somewhere that something in soy milks can help?

Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s life, characterised by hormonal changes. Some women may experience some symptoms during this stage of life and there are a number of actions that may assist in achieving a smoother transition. We recommend that you discuss these with your doctor. There is some evidence to suggest that isoflavones may assist with this change of life. However, research is still underway to fully understand the potential benefits of isoflavones. Isoflavones are a type of phytoestrogen and naturally occur in plant foods, such as soy beans. Isoflavones have a similar structure to the hormone oestrogen and can mimic how oestrogen functions in the body in certain roles (non-hormone related roles). Having a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help with physical health and feelings of well being. For any specific dietary questions, consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietician.