As Canadian consumers continue to emphasize healthier lifestyle choices, low fat, low calorie foods are increasingly important options. But what about beverages? For those interested in soymilk but closely watching their fat intake, WhiteWave Foods, maker of Silk soymilk, is launching Silk Light. Today’s health-aware food consumers are seeking not only better-for-you options, but also more natural, whole food choices. Produced from whole soy beans without chemicals, its manufacturers say Silk Light offers Canadians good-for-you soy protein and the smooth, creamy taste of regular Silk in an all natural, low-fat beverage with only 70 calories and 2g fat per 250ml serving.
According to new research on soy beverages by Ipsos Reid conducted for WhiteWave Foods, 62% of soy milk consumers polled feel that eating and drinking all-natural products is either extremely important (22%) or very important (40%). However these results are based on a proprietary survey with a sample of 224 Canadians conducted by Ipsos Reid during January 2006 and should be regarded as merely a marketing survey used for marketing purposes.
Nourishing the body from the inside out is a growing trend among today’s consumers, and many feel that choosing less processed foods is the best way to ensure optimum nutrition. Silk Light is made with 100% natural, GMO-free, whole soybeans and does not contain artificial flavours, colours, sweeteners or preservatives. Many other low fat refrigerated soy beverages currently on the market use soy protein isolate. Soy protein isolate is made using harsh hemicals like hexane, which has become a red flag for many consumers. By contrast, Silk Light is produced by physically squeezing the bean, keeping it as close to its natural state as possible.
"Many consumers are looking to live and eat better by avoiding heavily processed foods in their diets," said Valerie Fleck, Director of Marketing, WhiteWave Foods Canada. "Our philosophy is simple in that we keep our beverages as close to nature as possible. With Silk Light, consumers can be confident knowing that this great tasting, lower fat alternative is as natural as it can be."
The Heart and Stroke Foundation estimates that 80 per cent of Canadians are at risk for cardiovascular disease (See http://www.heartandstroke.ca/) With these numbers, wise diet and lifestyle choices are more important than ever. Diets low in saturated and trans fats may reduce the risk of heart disease. Silk Light is low in saturated fats and trans fat free and is also a good source of soy protein, which has been recognized for its role in helping to support heart health.
Each cup of Silk Light also contains 30 percent of the recommended daily value of calcium – the same as a cup of milk – and is 100 per cent dairy free. Silk Light provides more beneficial omega 3 fatty acids than dairy milk. It is vitamin fortified and contains essential nutrients including potassium, riboflavin and vitamins A, B12 and D.
Soy protein has been investigated for its role in supporting bone health and helping to reduce menopausal symptoms, because of its naturally occurring isoflavones. Emerging science is also exploring soy’s possible role in reducing the risk of certain cancers. Remember there is a big difference between possibilities and established realities.
As part of its commitment to nature and the environment, WhiteWave Foods claims it replaces all of the electricity used to produce Silk Soymilk and other WhiteWave products with wind power. By matching one new kilowatt-hour of wind energy for every kilowatt-hour of electricity used, WhiteWave supports more than 50,000,000 kilowatt-hours of wind energy annually. This offsets 35,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of planting more than 9,500 acres of trees, or keeping approximately 7,000 cars off the road each year. If true, this is certainly environmentally friendly.
WhiteWave Foods was established when Dean Foods (NYSE: DF) consolidated much of its branded business into one consumer packaged goods organization. Headquartered in Colorado, WhiteWave Foods describes itself as a leader in sustainable business practices, claiming to manufacture innovative, authentic and nutritious branded food products.
Unfortunately, not everything this company claims can be believed. The company is maker of the nation’s leading certified organic brands, which include Silk Soymilk, the nation’s first refrigerated soymilk, and to their shame, Horizon Organic dairy products. They have recently been evaluated and this brand of milk achieved only a one cow rating from Cornucopia, the worst score possible, resulting in calls for a company boycott. You can read more at http://cornucopia.org/dairysurvey/index.html
WhiteWave Foods also produces other manufactured goods it calls foods, such as International Delight coffee creamer, Land O’ Lakes fluid and cultured dairy products, Hershey’s Milks and Milkshakes, and TofuTown Tofu Tenders. It would appear that this is a company that should never be taken at face value, based on its own marketing rhetoric.
Remember that many people react badly to soy products. Men need to consider the feminizing effect of phytoestrogens and women should factor in the porential for hormonal imbalance. Additionally, soy is responsible for many allergy conditions and no one should consume it everyday or they risk developing allergies over time. An occasional or periodic soy drink that is genuinely organic and processed without the use of chemicals may certainly be enjoyed by those without allergies to soy. However, don’t overdo it.
