Plain tofu is produced from soybean curds and is therefore naturally vegan. It’s a great source of protein in a vegan diet, and it has a very mild flavor, making it super versatile! You can add it to savory recipes as meat replacements, make vegan cheese, or even use it for desserts like vegan cheesecakes or puddings to add creaminess!

Although regular tofu is vegan, there are a few types of tofu to look out for when following a vegan diet.

A glass bowl filled with cubes of uncooked tofu with soy beans around it.

You will, however, want to check the ingredients list before purchasing any flavored varieties. Some brands may use additives that contain animal products, and some tofu recipes are prepared with non-vegan ingredients.

How is Tofu made

Tofu is produced from dried soybeans that have been soaked in water, then crushed and boiled. This crushed bean mixture is separated into a pulp and soy milk, after which salt coagulants are added.

This helps separate the curds from the whey, which is then pressed into the familiar block shape.

Store-Bought Tofu

Plain, unflavored store-bought tofu is most often vegan. Some grocery stores, however, offer flavored or marinated tofu, and it is essential to check the ingredients list to be sure there are no non-vegan ingredients in the flavoring/marinades.

A block of tofu in a plastic package.

Non-vegan tofu dishes

While standard tofu is generally vegan and vegetarian, there are a couple of methods of preparing tofu that involve non-dairy ingredients. For example, stinky tofu is a popular Chinese street food where tofu is fermented in dairy milk or shrimp brine, making it non-vegan.

Egg tofu is a popular dish in Japan and Taiwan that is made of soy milk and eggs. Some tofu dishes may also use non-dairy ingredients in sauces, such as honey, so it is important to check ingredients or ask your server before ordering at a restaurant.

A bowl of cooked tofu with sauce and green onions on top of it.

Types of tofu

Tofu is categorized by its consistency or texture, which is determined by its water content. While different types of tofu have a similar taste, some tofu products are better suited for other recipes, so it’s helpful to know which type you’re buying.

Two boxes of silken tofu on a counter top with a red tea towel behind them.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu has the highest water content, giving it a silky consistency. This type of tofu is best used when trying to add creaminess to a recipe and is suited for smoothies, dips, cheesecakes, etc. I love to use it in my whipped tofu dip, chocolate cream pie, silken tofu pasta sauce, tofu chocolate mouse, and tofu sour cream recipes. See all of my silken tofu recipes.

A close up of a plate of tofu cream sauce over pasta and sprinkled with fresh parsley.
Silken Tofu Pasta Sauce

Regular

This type of tofu is still soft, but a bit more compact than silken tofu. Regular tofu is often used in vegan soups and stews because it absorbs flavors well, but you can also use it to make tofu scrambles or a vegan egg salad.

A vegan tofu egg salad sandwich cut in half and stacked on top of eachother on a cutting board.
Tofu Egg Salad

Firm or Extra-Firm tofu

Firm and extra-firm tofu is more compact than silken and regular tofu and is typically packaged in water. This type is the easiest to slice or cube and then pan-fry, deep-fry, stir-fry, or bake. Be sure to drain as much water as possible so that the tofu can absorb flavors from any vegan sauces or marinades. It’s excellent for faux meats like tofu fried chicken nuggets.

Vegan tofu fried chicken being dunked in vegan Chick Fil A sauce.
Tofu Fried Chicken

High protein tofu

High-protein tofu is super-firm and packed full of plant-based protein, making it an excellent replacement for meat in many dishes. You likely won’t need to press high-protein tofu because it has low water content, making it great for pan-frying, deep-frying, or stir-frying. Just be sure not to overcook it, as it tends to dry out.

Puffed Tofu

This is a special type of puffy tofu that has a spongy texture. You may have gotten this type of tofu at an Asian restaurant, or you can buy it premade in Asian grocery stores. It’s extra crispy on the outside and soft and spongy on the inside.

Is tofu gluten-free?

Plain tofu is usually gluten-free, but if you’re purchasing a favored variety, it is best to check the ingredients list to make sure there are no glutenous additives. Some brands like ‘House Foods’ and “Morinaga’ make certified gluten-free tofu, so if you want to be certain there is no cross-contamination, look for those brands or a gluten-free label.

Baked breaded tofu slices on a cookie sheet.
Breaded Tofu

Tofu recipes

We love tofu in our house and use it in tons of recipes. You can check out all of my tofu-based recipes on the blog, but these are a few of my family’s favorites

📌 Be sure to follow me on Pinterest for new vegan recipes!