Tofu: nutritional values, proteins and calories in soy blocks
Along with soya sauce, tofu is probably one of the best known soya products. Its nutritional values make it particularly popular as a meat substitute. This traditional East Asian food doesn’t have much taste on its own, but with the right seasoning, it can really spice up a dish. We reveal how valuable tofu can be for a balanced diet thanks to its nutritional values, and what else it can do.
Storage time*
| BioFresh Meat & Dairy safe just above 0 °C with low humidity | 10 days |
| Fridge compartment 7 °C | 4 days |
| Freezer compartment -18 °C | 6 months |
The key points
- Tofu and its nutritional values: approximately 120 calories and 12 g of protein per 100 g – ideal for a plant-based diet.
- Production and origin: pressed from soy milk, stabilised with calcium sulphate, originating from China.
- Taste and use: neutral in aroma, versatile in hot or cold dishes.
How many nutrients and proteins are in tofu?
100 g of tofu contains around 120 calories and around 12 grams of protein, making it an ideal source of plant-based protein. Tofu is a welcome alternative, especially for vegans who lack animal protein. It has a moderate fat content and is low in saturated fatty acids. It contains hardly any carbohydrates and has a water content of around 80 percent. In addition, tofu provides significant amounts of calcium and iron, as well as some magnesium. The exact composition may vary slightly depending on the method of production. Overall, tofu is a highly nutritious food – ideal for a balanced diet.
How healthy is tofu?
Tofu is known as a good source of high-quality protein. In addition, many people like tofu because it is wholesome and versatile in a balanced diet. It is easy to digest, has little effect on the body and is therefore also suitable for sensitive digestive systems.
Its neutral taste means it can be easily incorporated into a wide variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. Thanks to its nutritional value, tofu is a key source of protein in vegetarian and vegan cuisine, where it can be used as a useful substitute for animal products. People with lactose intolerance also like to use it as a plant-based protein alternative to cheese or quark.
How do you properly store tofu?
Fresh, unopened tofu from the fridge compartment can be stored in the fridge until the best-before date printed on the packaging. Once opened, you can store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days.
It will even stay fresh for up to ten days in the BioFresh Meat & Dairy safe of your Liebherr fridge. The humidity there is low and temperatures are just above 0 °C, meaning that the moisture in the tofu does not freeze. This allows you to enjoy tofu and its nutritional value for as long as possible.
How is tofu made?
Once harvested, the soya beans are cleaned, hulled and chopped up. After soaking in water and then straining, soya milk is produced. This is available as a plant-based milk substitute. The soya milk produced is mixed with calcium sulphate which then creates a gel. Pressing out then produces the firm consistency of tofu. Tofu hardly has any taste of its own. Whether tofu tastes nice or not, is mainly down to how it is prepared.
Where does tofu come from?
It is hardly surprising that tofu is so widespread in Asia. Tofu originates from China and was produced for the first time 2000 years ago. It arrived in Japan in the 8th century. The food is now enjoying steadily growing popularity in the west.
*All specifications given are to be considered as guideline values, and depend in each case on the type of food and on the proper storage without interruption of the cold chain from harvest/production through to the Liebherr appliance. Should food products have information about minimum shelf life, the date on the packaging always applies.
