Plant-based protein drinks are gaining ground across the Middle East and North Africa as consumers look for dairy alternatives and functional nutrition. A food company in Cairo commissioned us to deliver a turnkey soy milk and walnut milk production line, complete from raw-bean handling to aseptic packaging.
Project Background
The client wanted to produce shelf-stable soy and walnut beverages for the Egyptian retail market. Key requirements were effective removal of the beany off-flavour, a smooth non-gritty mouthfeel, and long ambient shelf life suitable for a market with wide temperature swings and long distribution routes.
Line Configuration
- Raw material handling: soaking, dehulling and washing of soybeans and walnuts
- Grinding: hot grinding with enzyme deactivation to suppress beany flavour
- Separation: fine filtration and centrifugal separation for a smooth texture
- Deodorising and formulation: vacuum deodoriser plus batching of sugar, stabiliser and calcium
- Homogenising: two-stage high-pressure homogeniser for stable emulsion
- UHT sterilisation and aseptic filling into carton or PET for long shelf life
Challenges Solved
The beany note common to soy beverages was controlled through hot grinding with rapid enzyme deactivation and vacuum deodorising. Two-stage homogenisation prevented fat separation and sedimentation over shelf life, giving a clean, stable drink that meets consumer expectations.
Results
Following installation and a structured operator training program, the plant produces both plain and sweetened soy milk plus a premium walnut beverage, all shelf-stable at ambient temperature. The client expanded into oat milk using the same core process shortly after launch.
Planning a soy, walnut or oat milk plant? Explore our Plant Protein Beverage Production Line.
Related case: browse more turnkey beverage project cases.
