Why I Stopped Eating Store Yogurt & Make Homemade Soy Yogurt Instead

Most store-bought dairy-free yogurts leave a lot to be desired—they're often thin, full of gums and sweeteners, and strangely expensive for something so simple. After my breast cancer recovery, I became even more mindful about what I put in my body. I needed something nourishing, high in protein, and gentle on the gut.

That’s when I discovered the benefits of making homemade soy yogurt for my recovery and gut health.

This creamy, 2-ingredient recipe is now a staple in my kitchen. It’s affordable, satisfying, and doesn’t require a fancy starter culture or dairy. Just soybeans, water, and good bacteria doing their thing.

How Homemade Soy Yogurt Supports Healing? (Especially After Cancer)

I used to be hesitant about soy. Maybe you’ve heard the same outdated myths I did—that soy messes with your hormones or increases cancer risk. But newer research tells a different story. Whole soy foods like tofu, edamame, tempeh, and unsweetened soy milk (which we use here) are actually hormone-supportive. Studies show they may reduce recurrence risk for some cancers and support estrogen balance during peri- and post-menopause. Plus, fermented foods like this yogurt can aid digestion, calm inflammation, and help rebuild a healthy gut microbiome.

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this yogurt:

• Unsweetened soy milk made with just two ingredients: organic soybeans and water. No oils, gums, or additives.

• Probiotic capsules—just 2 per 16 oz of soy milk. You can also use 2 tablespoons of yogurt from a previous batch as your starter.

✨ Pro tip: I’ll show some clean store-bought soy milk options in the video if you’re unsure which ones to grab.

How to Make It

I use an Instant Pot for a totally hands-off process:

1. Pour 16 oz of soy milk into a clean glass bowl or Instant Pot insert.

2. Open 2 probiotic capsules and stir in the powder.

3. Add a spoonful or two of yogurt from your last batch (optional, but it helps with consistency).

4. Mix well, close the lid, and press the 'Yogurt' button.

5. Let it incubate for 10–12 hours.

Once it’s done, you’ll want to strain it through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth for 1–2 hours to get that thick, Greek-style texture. The longer it drains, the thicker it gets.

Serving Suggestions

This soy yogurt is wonderfully versatile. You can:

• Top with fresh berries, pumpkin seeds, or a drizzle of honey

• Stir into smoothies

• Use as a base for creamy dressings or dips

• Enjoy on its own with a sprinkle of cinnamon or vanilla

Suggestions for Leftover Whey

Leftover whey is bonus of homemade yogurt . For a probiotic boost, simply replace liquid:

• Smoothies

• Overnight oats

• Chia Seed Pudding

• Or baking recipes

Final Thoughts

If soy has ever felt confusing—or if making your own yogurt seemed too hard—I hope this gave you a doable place to start. With the right tools and ingredients, it’s simple, satisfying, and supportive of your healing journey.

If you're exploring plant-based living, hormone health, or gut healing after a major life or health crisis, I’d love to support you. Leave a comment on the video or send me a message!

🎁 Free Resource: Radiant Wellness Wheel

If you’re trying to reconnect with your body and well-being post-crisis, grab my free Radiant Wellness Wheel. It’s a gentle tool to assess which areas of life feel aligned—and which may need more care.

👉 https://www.redefineyourradiance.com/get-your-wellness-wheel