AbstractThe effect of presoaking soyabeans in solutions of various chemicals on the reduction of beany flavour in soymilk was investigated. Of the chemicals used, sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide had a significant effect on the reduction of beany flavour in soymilk. Sodium carbonate soaking at 0.4 M concentration for 18‐24 h was significantly better than any other presoak treatment. The activity of lipoxidase as a major source of beany flavour in soymilk is questioned. Soymilk prepared from beans presoaked in carbonate contained more protein and had a higher viscosity than milks prepared from beans presoaked in water or sodium hydroxide. Beans presoaked in carbonate were easier to process than the other two. There was no significant difference in the amino acid pattern of the proteins in the soymilks prepared by the three methods.