Extensive biochemical reactions take place during the process of soybean germination. Many of
them lead to changes that are closely related to and can be key attributes in determining soy milk
quality. In the present research, improvements in three classes of bioactive components investigated,
namely, trypsin inhibitors, phytic acid and total phenolics, were observed simultaneously in cooked
soy milk produced from short-time germinated soybeans. Optimum germination time was selected, and
soy milk made from 28 h-germinated soybeans under optimum germination conditions showed
significantly higher protein content, a lower amount of carbohydrate and a generally comparable
physicochemical profile to traditional soy milk. The current approach seems to be a feasible and
convenient way for the industry to develop functional soy milk products and provides practical data for
industrial settings. Meanwhile, it offers a safer and more nutritious alternative for household soy milk
consumers, who make their own soy milk at home. Besides, the findings in this study also imply that
short-time germination could be a potential pre-treatment method to promote the functional properties
in various soybean-derived food products