Are Silk soy beverage products dairy-free?

All Silk soy beverage products including Silk for Coffee soy beverage are completely dairy-free and safe for people with dairy allergies. None of our ingredients are made from animal products, by-products or derivatives. Our natural flavours do not contain any dairy or other animal products. See our products section to find more detailed nutritional information.

Are Silk soy beverage products kosher?

All Silk soy beverage products in all flavours are certified Kosher-DE, meaning it is a kosher food that has been processed on dairy equipment. We use SCROLL-K symbols on our packaging to indicate Kosher DE.

Are Silk soy beverage products okay for people with wheat and gluten allergies?

Some people have a dangerous hypersensitivity to wheat or wheat products like gluten. There is no wheat, wheat gluten, rye, oats, barley or malt in any Silk soy beverage product. For more information, visit the Canadian Celiac Association web site, www.celiac.ca.

Are Silk soy beverage products organic?

Silk is committed to helping the environment, which includes sourcing many of our ingredients organically. All of our products except Silk Light soy beverage and Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA soy beverage are made from organic sugar and soybeans, and meet the USDA organic standards. All of our certified organic products are clearly labeled either "organic" or "made with organic" on the front of the package. Silk Light soy beverage is a natural product, made from natural soybeans that were not genetically modified.

Canada is currently in the process of establishing its own organic standards, to which Silk will adhere once the standards are published.

Are Silk soy beverage products organic?

Silk is committed to helping the environment, which includes sourcing many of our ingredients organically. All of our products except Silk Light soy beverage and Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA soy beverage are made from organic sugar and soybeans, and meet the USDA organic standards. All of our certified organic products are clearly labeled either "organic" or "made with organic" on the front of the package. Silk Light soy beverage is a natural product, made from natural soybeans that were not genetically modified.

Canada is currently in the process of establishing its own organic standards, to which Silk will adhere once the standards are published.

Are Silk soy beverage products pasteurized?

Yes. We use UHT (Ultra High Temperature) pasteurization to make sure that our products are free of harmful microorganisms.

Are Silk soy beverage products vegan?

Yes, completely! There are no animal derivatives in any of our products. All vitamins used to fortify Silk soy beverage are derived from vegetable sources, including calcium carbonate that comes from limestone.

Can I freeze Silk fortified soy beverage?

Although it's perfectly safe to freeze Silk soy beverage, we do not recommend it. Once thawed, Silk soy beverage that has been frozen tends to separate irregularly, greatly reducing its quality and appeal. Freezing does not damage the nutritional value of the product. You can keep Silk Soy Beverage in your refrigerator unopened until the date stamped on the carton. This is not an expiration date, but rather an "open by" date, meaning we guarantee the quality and freshness of Silk soy beverage for 7 to 10 days when opened on or before the date stamped on the carton.

Do Silk soy beverage products contain genetically engineered (GMO) soybeans?

No. At Silk, we use soybeans that were produced without the use of genetic engineering or gene manipulation. We aggressively monitor our growers to ensure that our soybeans are of the very best quality. We test our soybeans using today's best science and most accurate methodology. Independent laboratories specializing in genetic identification regularly test multiple product samples to ensure high quality standards and product integrity. Silk complies with all Canadian regulations related to soy product processing, manufacturing and labeling. Read more about how Silk is helping our environment.

Do Silk soy beverage products contain genetically engineered (GMO) soybeans?

No. At Silk, we use soybeans that were produced without the use of genetic engineering or gene manipulation. We aggressively monitor our growers to ensure that our soybeans are of the very best quality. We test our soybeans using today's best science and most accurate methodology. Independent laboratories specializing in genetic identification regularly test multiple product samples to ensure high quality standards and product integrity. Silk complies with all Canadian regulations related to soy product processing, manufacturing and labeling. Read more about how Silk is helping our environment.

Do Silk soy beverage products contain Omega-3 fatty acids?

Yes! Soy is a natural source of the Omega-3 essential fatty acid, ALA. Since Silk soy beverage is made from high-quality, whole soybeans, Silk soy beverage contains naturally occurring ALA. DHA is another important Omega-3 fatty acid, which can be found in Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA soy beverage. Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA soy beverage is fortified with life'sDHA™ - a 100% vegetarian, sustainable source of DHA.

Do you offer a fat-free soy beverage?

While we don't have a fat-free soy beverage at this time, we do offer Silk Light fortified soy beverage in Original, for those of you who prefer a lower fat product. Silk Light soy beverage contains 2 grams or less of fat per 250 mL serving.

Does Silk fortified soy beverage contain caffeine?

One 250 mL serving of Silk Chocolate soy beverage contains 3.6 mg of caffeine. As a comparison, 1 cup of regular coffee typically contains 115 to 175 mg of caffeine and 1 cup of decaffeinated coffee typically contains 3-4 mg.

Does Silk fortified soy beverage contain caffeine?

One 250 mL serving of Silk Chocolate soy beverage contains 3.6 mg of caffeine. As a comparison, 1 cup of regular coffee typically contains 115 to 175 mg of caffeine and 1 cup of decaffeinated coffee typically contains 3-4 mg.

How can I keep Silk soy beverage fresh?

Here are some tips for keeping your Silk soy beverage fresher, longer:

• "Don't drink straight out of the carton!" - just like Mom always told you. When you drink out of the carton, bacteria from your mouth can get into the beverage, which increases the risk of spoilage.
• Make a note of the day you open your Silk soy beverage. Unopened Silk soy beverage stays fresh until the date printed on the top of the carton. Once opened, Silk soy beverage will stay fresh for seven to 10 days if kept refrigerated.
• Keep Silk soy beverage in the middle of your refrigerator. Storing Silk soy beverage on the door of the fridge exposes it to wide temperature fluctuations, which could hasten spoilage.
• Don't leave Silk soy beverage unrefrigerated. While Silk soy beverage should not spoil if left out for an hour or two, those two unrefrigerated hours do shorten its lifespan considerably.

How can I tell if soy beverage is spoiled?

We take great care to provide you with a consistent, uniform product. If your Silk soy beverage doesn't look, smell or taste the way it usually does, it may be spoiled. Fresh Silk soy beverage does not have a strong odour.

Signs of spoilage include:

• The package looks abnormally bloated.
• When poured, the soy beverage appears to have thickened slightly.
• The colour of the soy beverage has changed (chocolate turns lighter and vanilla may look beige).
• It is so thick that it won't pour easily, or it looks like a milk shake and has curds or lumps.
• Any smell resembling dying flowers, sour milk or chemicals.
• A slightly "off" or beany flavour, or a bitter, metallic, earthy, grassy or extremely sweet taste.
• When in doubt, throw it out: iIf you are unsure about whether your soy beverage has spoiled, do not drink it or cook with it.
• Also, check at the store shelf that the carton is not leaking or has been accidentally punctured, which could increase the chance of spoilage

How do you process the cocoa in Silk soy beverage Chocolate varieties?

The cocoa beans used in Silk Chocolate soy beverages are Dutch processed. This means that the cocoa beans are treated with alkali for colour and flavour - a process called "Dutching." Dutch processed cocoa is known for its dark, rich hue and superb taste. There is no dairy involved in Dutch processing.

How does Original Silk soy beverage differ from its forerunner, Plain Silk soy beverage?

It doesn't! Don't let its new name fool you - your taste buds can rest assured that Original Silk soy beverage contains the same delicious formulation as its predecessor, Plain Silk soy beverage. Also unchanged? Its classic, great-tasting flavour. As always, we take a great deal of pride in assuring that the Silk you've come to know and love remains exactly that - the smooth, satisfying soy beverage you crave.

How is Silk soy beverage made?

Silk soy beverage is made through a simple mechanical pressing process that begins with whole natural soybeans. We add only water, vitamins and minerals, a touch of sweetness and natural flavours. Learn more...

How long will Silk soy beverage products stay fresh?

Silk fortified soy beverage keeps fresh in your refrigerator unopened until the date stamped on the top of the carton. Once opened, Silk soy beverage will stay fresh for seven to 10 days if kept refrigerated. It is not unusual for Silk soy beverage to remain unspoiled past the 10-day mark; however, we only guarantee that it will be good for seven to 10 days.

Silk Shelf Stable soy beverage does not need to be refrigerated until it has been opened. Silk Shelf Stable soy beverage will stay fresh unopened until the date stamped on the carton, usually up to one year from the date of purchase. Once opened, Silk Shelf Stable soy beverage ages just like regular Silk soy beverage, and must be refrigerated to stay fresh for seven to 10 days.

Is Silk soy beverage product packaging recyclable?

Depending on where you live, each municipality has different recycling rules so please check with your local Government and/or recycling centre for details. Here is some general information:

• Silk soy beverage cartons can be recycled after removing the plastic screw cap.
• Silk Shelf Stable soy beverage cartons can be recycled in certain areas.
• We are committed to using the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective packaging available for our products, and we are always looking to decrease the overall environmental waste factor of our containers.

Is the calcium in Silk soy beverage absorbed by my body as well as dairy calcium is?

Yes. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition confirmed that calcium carbonate, found in Silk soy beverage, is absorbed by the body as readily as the calcium found in dairy milk. A healthy diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D, combined with regular physical activity, helps to achieve strong bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Silk soy beverage is an excellent source of calcium.

Zhao et al., "Calcium Bioavailability of Calcium Fortified Soymilk is Equivalent to Cow's Milk in Young Women" JN 2005 Oct; 135(10) 2379-82.

What are isoflavones? Are they good for me?

Isoflavones are members of a large group of compounds called Phyto (or plant) chemicals. Isoflavones are also referred to a Phyto (or plants) estrogens and phytoestrogen is a plant chemical found in soybeans. Researchers are studying the possible roles of isoflavones in contributing to a healthy diet. Currently there is no standard for the recommended daily allowance of isoflavones.
At Silk Soy Beverage, we believe that the isoflavones as found in normal servings of soy foods, consumed throughout the day, can be part of a healthy diet. Each 250 mL serving of Silk soy beverage contains approximately 20 to 35 mg of isoflavones. The amount of isoflavones in soybeans varies from year to year depending on seed and soil quality and the weather and other variables that affect each harvest.

What are other common sources of DHA?

Traditional dietary sources of DHA include coldwater fish such as salmon, herring, whitefish and albacore and bluefin tuna.

What are soybeans?

The soybean is a legume that comes from a leguminous plant (Glycine max) that grows pods with clusters of two to three beans. The colour of the bean varies from shades of brown to green and the shape can be oval or round. People began cultivating soybeans in northern China more than 3,000 years ago. Today soybeans are used in many food products, including soy beverages, soy cheese, soy yogurt and tofu.

What does organic mean?

In general, "organic" refers to products made without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers or biotechnology. Official Canadian national organic standards are currently in development, and will be made public in late 2008. Once these standards are in place, Silk's organic products will comply with them. Today, like most Canadian organic products, Silk follows the US organic standards. According to the US regulations, products labeled "organic" must be certified by an accredited third-party agency and maintain a strict audit trail that allows a product to be traced all the way back to the field in which its organic ingredients were grown. Silk's organic products are certified by Quality Assurance International.

We look forward to helping our consumers stay current on the latest developments in Canadian organic regulations as more information becomes available.

What does organic mean?

In general, "organic" refers to products made without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers or biotechnology. Official Canadian national organic standards are currently in development, and will be made public in late 2008. Once these standards are in place, Silk's organic products will comply with them. Today, like most Canadian organic products, Silk follows the US organic standards. According to the US regulations, products labeled "organic" must be certified by an accredited third-party agency and maintain a strict audit trail that allows a product to be traced all the way back to the field in which its organic ingredients were grown. Silk's organic products are certified by Quality Assurance International.

We look forward to helping our consumers stay current on the latest developments in Canadian organic regulations as more information becomes available.

What does shelf stable mean and how is it different from regular Silk soy beverage?

Shelf stable containers are sterile, hermetically-sealed packages that are often used for products like soup, juice or soy beverages. Like canned foods, foods in shelf stable containers can be stored for extended periods of time without refrigeration.

Silk Shelf Stable soy beverage is great for stocking your pantry or taking on a trip. Once opened, Silk Shelf Stable soy beverage needs to be refrigerated. Look for it in the health food section of grocery stores as well as in any natural or health food specialty store.

What does shelf stable mean and how is it different from regular Silk soy beverage?

Shelf stable containers are sterile, hermetically-sealed packages that are often used for products like soup, juice or soy beverages. Like canned foods, foods in shelf stable containers can be stored for extended periods of time without refrigeration.

Silk Shelf Stable soy beverage is great for stocking your pantry or taking on a trip. Once opened, Silk Shelf Stable soy beverage needs to be refrigerated. Look for it in the health food section of grocery stores as well as in any natural or health food specialty store.

What is a dairy allergy? Can I use Silk soy beverage products if I am allergic to dairy?

Many people are allergic to cow's milk or milk products. The allergy is usually caused by an extreme sensitivity to milk protein. Allergic reactions to dairy can range from mild indigestion to anaphylaxis, which is life threatening. Dairy allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance (an inability to digest lactose, a natural sugar found in milk). While lactose intolerance can cause significant discomfort and requires careful diet management, it is not usually a life-threatening condition.

All Silk soy beverage products are dairy-free, lactose-free and casein-free. None of our ingredients come from animal products, by-products or derivatives. As with any serious allergy, those with dairy allergies should consult a physician before introducing Silk soy beverage into the diet. Soy is also a known allergen so please check with your healthcare practitioner if you are concerned that you may be allergic to soy.

Always consult with your health care provider before changing your diet particularly if you don't believe that you might be allergic to any food or beverage

For more information on food allergies, visit the following websites:
Health Canada
Canadian Health Network
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network
Anaphylaxis Canada
Lactose.co.uk
SoyNutrition.com

What is an Omega-3?

"Omega-3" refers to a category of fatty acids which includes ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) among others. Omega-3 fatty acids have been studied for their role in overall health and well-being. ALA is an essential Omega-3 fatty acid meaning that your body cannot make this fatty acid on its own and so its important to get it from your diet. Common sources of ALA include soybeans, flaxseed, and walnuts. DHA is another type of omega-3 fatty acid that is also important in the diet. It has been studied for its role in supporting the normal development of the tissues in the brain, nervous system and retina (eyes).

Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA soy beverage contains both naturally occurring ALA, and added DHA from a natural vegetarian source.

What is casein?

Casein is a milk protein. We do not use casein as an ingredient in Silk soy beverage products.

What is casein?

Casein is a milk protein. We do not use casein as an ingredient in Silk soy beverage products.

What is DHA and why is it important?

DHA is an Omega-3 fatty acid. Although it is found in most tissues of the body, the highest concentrations of DHA are in the tissues of the brain, nervous system and retina of the eye. DHA funcations in the normal development of these tissues.

What is the recommended dietary allowance for DHA?

Nutrition researchers have found that North Americans often don't consume enough DHA. While there is no recommended dietary allowance for DHA, Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide mentions the importance of eating fish as an important source of DHA and part of a healthy diet.

What kind of protein is found in soy beverage?

Silk Soy Beverage contains soy protein from the soybeans. Soy protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs. Soy protein has also been studied extensively for its role in helping to promote heart health.

What kind of protein is found in soy beverage?

Silk Soy Beverage contains soy protein from the soybeans. Soy protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs. Soy protein has also been studied extensively for its role in helping to promote heart health.

What natural flavours and flavourings do you use in Silk soy beverage products?

The natural flavours listed in our ingredient panels are derived from natural sources - nothing artificial is used. The natural flavours also don't contain any animal ingredients. They are free of dairy, eggs, MSG, rye, oats, barley, malt and wheat. Our natural flavours are carried in a gluten-free, corn-based carrier.

What types of sweeteners do you use?

At Silk, we use organic evaporated cane juice, also called unrefined sugar, as the sweetener in many of our products. We use evaporated cane juice because we can purchase it from a source that produces it organically. Evaporated cane juice is less heavily processed than refined sugar.

Where can I find the ingredients in and nutrition facts for a particular Silk soy beverage product?

The best source of ingredient content and nutrition facts for Silk soy beverage products is the printed information on each package. Check the ingredient listing for the ingredients in Silk soy beverage and check the "nutrition facts" panel for nutrition information. You can also look in the products section of this website for some nutrition information.

Where does Silk soy beverage get its soybeans?

Currently, all Silk soy beverage soybeans are sourced in North America. We use only non-GMO beans. Our comprehensive testing protocols are designed to detect GMO's and other potential contaminants, ensuring product quality, safety and consistency. The organic soybeans purchased by Silk are strictly regulated to guarantee the highest standards of organic integrity.

Silk complies with all Canadian regulations related to soy product processing, manufacturing and labeling.

Where does Silk soy beverage get its soybeans?

Currently, all Silk soy beverage soybeans are sourced in North America. We use only non-GMO beans. Our comprehensive testing protocols are designed to detect GMO's and other potential contaminants, ensuring product quality, safety and consistency. The organic soybeans purchased by Silk are strictly regulated to guarantee the highest standards of organic integrity.

Silk complies with all Canadian regulations related to soy product processing, manufacturing and labeling.

Where does the DHA in Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA soy beverage come from?

Omega-3 DHA fatty acid is most commonly derived from coldwater fish. Researchers looking for a vegetarian source of DHA established that the fish actually obtain DHA from their diet of algae. The result? Scientists are now able to extract rich, nutritional DHA from these aquatic plants. Silk uses life'sDHA™ algal oil, a 100% vegetarian and sustainable source of Omega-3 DHA.


1 Choudhury N., Tan L., Truswell A.S. (1995) American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 61:1043-1051.
2 Sundram K., Hornstra G., von Houwelingen A.C., Kester A.D. (1992), Br. J. Nutr. 68:677-692.
3 Ng T.K., Hayes K.C., DeWitt G.F., Jegathesan M., Satgunasingam N., Ong A.S., Tan D. (1992) Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 11:383-390.

Where does the DHA in Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA soy beverage come from?

Omega-3 DHA fatty acid is most commonly derived from coldwater fish. Researchers looking for a vegetarian source of DHA established that the fish actually obtain DHA from their diet of algae. The result? Scientists are now able to extract rich, nutritional DHA from these aquatic plants. Silk uses life'sDHA™ algal oil, a 100% vegetarian and sustainable source of Omega-3 DHA.


1 Choudhury N., Tan L., Truswell A.S. (1995) American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 61:1043-1051.
2 Sundram K., Hornstra G., von Houwelingen A.C., Kester A.D. (1992), Br. J. Nutr. 68:677-692.
3 Ng T.K., Hayes K.C., DeWitt G.F., Jegathesan M., Satgunasingam N., Ong A.S., Tan D. (1992) Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 11:383-390.

Why do we use palm oil in Silk for Coffee soy beverage?

There are several reasons why palm oil is used in Silk for Coffee soy beverage.

• Palm oil enhances the smooth and creamy texture of Silk for Coffee soy beverage.
• Unlike other tropical oils, palm oil's impact on blood cholesterol levels compares favourably to corn oil and olive oil.
• Our ingredient comes from a supplier who produces palm oil in an ethical and sustainable manner. Partnering with producers who value sustainable business is an important part of Silk's mission to help increase the health of the planet.

Why do you put calcium carbonate in Silk fortified soy beverage?

Health Canada requires soy beverages to be fortified with certain specific vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Calcium carbonate is a naturally occurring mineral found in limestone. We use calcium carbonate in our products because it does not react with other Silk soy beverage ingredients and can be easily absorbed by the human body. One 250 mL serving of Silk soy beverage contains 30% of the recommended daily value of calcium equivalent to the amount of calcium found in a 250 mL glass of most dairy milk.

Please read our information on building strong bones to learn more about how calcium works in the body.

Why do you put calcium carbonate in Silk fortified soy beverage?

Health Canada requires soy beverages to be fortified with certain specific vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Calcium carbonate is a naturally occurring mineral found in limestone. We use calcium carbonate in our products because it does not react with other Silk soy beverage ingredients and can be easily absorbed by the human body. One 250 mL serving of Silk soy beverage contains 30% of the recommended daily value of calcium equivalent to the amount of calcium found in a 250 mL glass of most dairy milk.

Please read our information on building strong bones to learn more about how calcium works in the body.

Why doesn't your packaging say GMO-Free or Non-GMO?

Consumers are typically familiar with the terms "Genetically Modified Organism" (GMO), "GMO-Free" and "Non-GMO" to help them know about the presence or absence of genetically altered ingredients in foods. However, the term specifically recognized by the Canadian Government is "genetic engineering" so look for the biotechnology statement on our packaging, under the list of ingredients: "This soy beverage is made from soybeans that were not genetically engineered." Read more about how Silk is helping our environment.