Milk Substitutes: Soy
Information for Health Care Providers
MN WIC Program
Soy-Based Foods
The WIC Food Package includes two soy-based options, which may be provided when requested by a participant. Medical documentation of a qualifying medical condition is required in some cases. Federal regulations specify amounts that may be provided and those which require medical documentation.
Soy-Based Beverage
- Women: provided upon request; NO medical documentation required.
- Children: medical documentation of a qualifying condition is required to provide ANY amount. Federal rules state that it is important for a Health Care Provider to know if a child cannot drink milk.
NOTE: For participants with lactose intolerance, lactose-free milk is available with no medical authorization necessary.
Tofu - amounts allowed
- Up to 4 lbs. tofu for pregnant, partially breastfeeding or non-breastfeeding women. Additional amounts may be provided with medical documentation of a qualifying condition.
- Up to 6 lbs. tofu for fully breastfeeding women, women partially breastfeeding multiples, women pregnant with multiples, and women pregnant-and-fully breastfeeding. Additional amounts may be provided with medical documentation of a qualifying condition.
- Children: medical documentation of a qualifying condition is required to provide any amount.
Qualifying Conditions are limited to these:
- Milk allergy
- Severe lactose maldigestion (cannot tolerate lactose-free milk)
- Medical condition requiring use of soy-based beverage
- Vegan/Vegetarian diet
- Religious or cultural observance/practice
NOTE: Personal preference (without one of the above criteria) is not a qualifying condition.
Authorization of Milk Substitutes form
This form must be completed by the Health Care Provider before soy-based foods requiring medical documentation may be provided.
