Our nutrition team
Q: Dear Vitasoy, I am looking to increase fibre in my diet? What products can I use?

Questions & Answers

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

Thank you for your enquiry. The majority of Vitasoy products are calcium enriched including Vitasoy soymilk, Ricemilk and Oatmilk, providing 37% of the recommended dietary intake (RDI) of calcium.
If you are looking for a higher calcium soymilk please try the Vitasoy Calci-Plus since it is enriched with 50% of your RDI for calcium and vitamin D in one 250mL serve.

Please enjoy Vitasoy products, as part of well balanced diet and exercise plan, and for any specific dietary questions, consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

NEW It says on your packs that your products are not suitable for children under 2 years old. Why is this? View Answer >

Thank you for your enquiry.  It is a legal requirement that dairy milk, soy and cereal- based beverages with a fat level less than or equal to 2.5%, carry this advisory statement. Certain products may advise that they are not suitable for children under the age of 5 years due to lower fat and/or lower protein levels.

It recognises that these products are not suitable as a complete replacement for regular milk due to the different nutrient profile (i.e. fat, protein and some vitamins and minerals).  

Regular fat dairy products or alternatives are recommended for children from six months of age to two years, after which reduced fat varieties can be introduced if preferred. Regular fat products provide energy and vitamins important for children’s growth and development.

Remember that it is important to introduce a wide variety of foods to children to ensure that they receive all the nutrients they require for growth and development.  Always seek advice from your health professional about feeding your child.

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

Thank you for your enquiry.  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 Soymilk 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 Dietitian.

NEW I follow a gluten free diet. Which of your products can I use? View Answer >

Thank you for your enquiry.  Gluten is a protein that naturally occurs in many cereals and grains including wheat, rye, barley, triticale and oats.  

Some people may not be able to tolerate gluten, and have been advised by their health care professional to follow a gluten free diet.  

The Vitasoy products that are gluten free include: Vitasoy Soy Milky (Regular and Lite), Vitasoy Chocolate and Vanilla, and the entire Vitasoy Ricemilk range.

For any specific dietary questions, please consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

NEW I have trouble digesting lactose. Which of your products can I use? View Answer >

All Vitasoy products are lactose free.  

Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar that is found in dairy milk. ‘Lactase’ is an enzyme that is required by the body to break down and digest lactose. Some people may have low levels of this enzyme, or may not produce any at all.  It can result in symptoms of discomfort.  Some people may choose to avoid lactose in their diet.   

For any specific dietary questions, please consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

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

Thank you for your enquiry. 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.

Vitasoy has specifically developed Vitasoy Light for this reason, containing less than 1% fat, 56% less calories and 52% less carbohydrates than regular soymilk.  Vitasoy Light is also low in sugar, and has a low GI.  

If you are wanting to manage your weight, Vitasoy Light can be included as part of a balanced diet along with a regular exercise plan.  

For any specific dietary questions please consult your doctor or an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

NEW I am looking to increase fibre in my diet? What products can I use? View Answer >

Thank you for your enquiry.  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. Fibre-enriched products are also available.

Vitasoy has a range of fibre enriched products available, including Vitasoy High Fibre, Vitasoy Ricemilk High Fibre, and Vitasoy Oatmilk.  Just one 250mL glass of any of these Vitasoy products can contribute around 10% of more of your recommended daily fibre intake.  

Please enjoy these Vitasoy products, as part of well balanced diet and exercise plan, and for any specific dietary questions consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietitian.

NEW I am having trouble with menopause and have read somewhere that something in soymilks can help? View Answer >

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’ period. 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).

Vitasoy have specially formulated a product with adult women in mind, using whole organic certified soy beans that have been selected for their high level of naturally occurring isoflavones.  One 250mL glass of Vitasoy Vitality provides 32.5mg of isoflavones.  Vitasoy Vitality is also calcium enriched and 98% fat free.

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 Dietitian.

NEW Can I drink Vitasoy if I am pregnant? View Answer >

Pregnancy is a very special time in a woman’s life. For dietary changes related to pregnancy, please consult your doctor or an accredited Practising Dietitian.