Soy Milk & Tofu (Soya Paneer) Manufacturing Project: Start in 2026

"soy-milk-tofu-manufacturing-business-guide"

In 2026, health consciousness is at an all-time high. People are moving away from dairy and choosing plant-based proteins. Starting a Soy Milk and Tofu unit is a smart move because the raw material (Soybeans) is cheap, but the processed products (Tofu/Milk) sell at a premium price.

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1. Setup & Machinery (The Basics) 🛠️

To maintain quality and hygiene, you need a semi-automatic setup:

• Soybean Grinder & Separator: For extracting milk from soaked beans.

• Boiling Pan (Steam Jacketed): To cook the milk and remove the "beany" smell.

• Tofu Press: To drain water and shape the soy curd into solid blocks.

• Vacuum Packaging Machine: To increase the shelf life of Tofu.

• Space Required: 400 - 600 sq. ft. with good water drainage.

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2. Raw Materials Needed 📦

• High-Quality Soybeans: Sourced from local farmers or wholesalers.

• Coagulant: (Like Magnesium Chloride or Citric Acid) to turn milk into Tofu.

• Flavoring Agents: For flavored soy milk (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry).

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3. Step-by-Step Production Process

1. Soaking: Clean and soak soybeans in water for 6-8 hours.

2. Grinding: Feed soaked beans into the separator to get raw soy milk.

3. Boiling: Heat the milk to 100°C to ensure it is safe and tasty.

4. Flavouring/Curdling: Either bottle the milk as a drink or add coagulant to make curd.

5. Pressing: Put the curd into the Tofu press to make solid Paneer blocks.

6. Packing: Cut into cubes, vacuum pack, and store in a refrigerator.

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💰 Project Cost & Estimates (2026)

Investment Item	Estimated Cost
Machinery Setup	₹2,00,000 - ₹3,50,000
Deep Freezer & Fridge	₹40,000 - ₹60,000
Initial Raw Material	₹30,000
Licenses (FSSAI/GST)	₹10,000
Total Startup Capital	₹2.8 Lakh - ₹4.5 Lakh

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📈 Market & Earning Potential

• Target Market: Gyms, Supermarkets, Vegan Cafes, and Local Milk Booths.

• Estimate Earning: 1 kg of Soybeans (₹60) produces approx 2 kg of Tofu (Retail price ₹300-400).

• Monthly Profit: With a medium-scale distribution, you can earn ₹70,000 - ₹1,20,000 per month.

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❓ FAQs for Beginners

Q: What is the shelf life of Tofu?

Ans: Vacuum-packed Tofu lasts 15-20 days in a refrigerator.

Q: Is FSSAI license mandatory?

Ans: Yes, since this is a food product, FSSAI registration is a legal requirement.