The Guantánamo Dairy Products Company has announced plans to resume production of soy yogurt for children aged seven to 13, as reported by the state-run newspaper Venceremos.
This yogurt, priced at 50 pesos per packet, will initially be available only in the provincial capital.
Unlike previous efforts that relied heavily on imported soybeans, this time the initiative aims to utilize locally grown and harvested soybeans within the province.
Community Reaction: Skepticism and Hope
The announcement was met with a mix of irony, skepticism, and cautious optimism on social media. Reflecting the general sentiment, one user sarcastically remarked, "Oh look, another achievement of the revolution." Some recalled past versions of the product with bitterness.
"Let's hope it's actual yogurt and not some tasteless watery mix. A bit of respect for what the children and customers will consume," commented one individual.
Others echoed similar concerns: "Hopefully it won't be too watery" and "As long as it's not salty or diluted," were common sentiments among users.
Challenges and Doubts
Doubt about whether production will truly restart was also evident. "That's news. Plus, it will only happen when soy is produced or harvested, which remains to be seen... hopefully," stated another commenter. From Moa, someone joked, "Here we'll end up drinking nickel yogurt."
Some expressed outright disbelief: "Is it true?" and "God willing, it will be real," wrote two users, highlighting the skepticism born from years of unfulfilled promises.
Background and Current Crisis
This announcement comes amid a severe food crisis in Guantánamo. According to the Food Monitor Program, the province ranks among the top five in critical food insecurity levels in Cuba, affecting 78.7% of households.
With wheat mills idle, rationed bread is only available to children under 13, and prolonged power outages spoil the limited food supplies.
The national situation is equally dire. In April 2026, the Cuban Parliament reported a reduction of 10,000 tons in national soy yogurt production, leaving over 100,000 children across the island without their daily milk ration due to a lack of transport fuel.
In 2025 and 2026, the regime confessed it couldn't secure the necessary soybeans, leading a private company to step in to sustain part of the state production.
The history of soy yogurt in Cuba is fraught with interruptions. Introduced in 1993 during the Special Period as a milk substitute due to foreign currency shortages, production has been sporadic ever since.
In 2021, the government replaced it with a shake mix due to supply issues. By January 2024, production in Sancti Spíritus had completely halted due to a lack of raw materials, leaving thousands of children without this essential food.
Understanding the Soy Yogurt Crisis in Cuba
Why is Guantánamo resuming soy yogurt production?
Guantánamo plans to resume soy yogurt production to provide a nutritional option for children amid severe food shortages, using locally cultivated soybeans.
What challenges does the soy yogurt production face?
The production faces challenges such as skepticism about the actual implementation, concerns over product quality, and historical interruptions in production due to resource shortages.
How does the food crisis affect Guantánamo?
Guantánamo is experiencing severe food insecurity, with most households affected, wheat mills inactive, and a lack of basic food supplies due to extended blackouts.