Acceptability of Soy Milk as a Calcium-Rich Beverage in School Children in New York City Public Schools

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the acceptability of soy milk as a calcium-rich beverage among school children in New York City Public Schools. This observational study aims to understand whether students choose and drink soy milk when offered alongside dairy milk, and to assess its impact on milk waste, nutrition, environmental factors, and costs. The study is sponsored by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and involves a pilot program in 11 schools covering grades K-12, ages 5 to 18. The intervention involves offering soy milk during school lunch for a four-week period in spring and fall 2026. Before the intervention, baseline measurements of cow's milk sales and consumption will be collected. During the intervention, taste tests will be conducted at each school, and students will be offered stickers for tasting soy milk. Marketing materials like posters and flyers will be used to promote the program. School staff and administrators will receive training to ensure safety, especially for students with allergies. Participants will be observed for milk consumption and sales throughout the pilot. Data collected includes the amount of soy milk and cow's milk consumed and sold. Allergy precautions are managed through school nurses and cafeteria managers to avoid including students with soy allergies. The primary outcome is the acceptability of soy milk over four weeks, with additional measures of milk consumption and food waste. The study runs through 2027, and no identifiable information will be collected from students.

Acceptability of Soy Milk as a Calcium-Rich Beverage in School Children in New York City Public Schools