Tofu

What it is

Tofu, also called bean curd, is a soy food sold in several forms. The nutrition example here is firm tofu prepared with calcium sulfate. Its firmness and preparation are part of the description, not details that can be ignored when comparing products.

What it does

This USDA reference contains 17.3 g of protein and 683 mg of calcium per 100 g. NIH notes that calcium content depends on whether tofu is processed with a calcium salt. The calcium value here therefore should not be assigned to all silken, soft, firm, or nigari-prepared tofu.

Research context and ingredient forms

The table describes a specific food in a historical dataset. A current product may differ in water content, ingredients, and declared nutrient amounts. The nutrient profile does not establish that a particular tofu product treats a deficiency or a health condition.

Using this information

Check the package's calcium amount and serving weight when comparing tofu. Use the same weight basis for each product. Added sauces, frying oil, or other recipe ingredients change the profile of a finished dish.

Considerations

Soybean is a major food allergen. People with a soy allergy should check tofu and prepared-food ingredient labels.

Food sources and composition

Nutrient	Amount and serving basis	Food and source
Energy	144 kcal per 100 g edible portion	Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate; Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01
Protein	17.3 g per 100 g edible portion	Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate; Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01
Total lipid (fat)	8.72 g per 100 g edible portion	Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate; Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01
Calcium, Ca	683 mg per 100 g edible portion	Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate; Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01
Iron, Fe	2.66 mg per 100 g edible portion	Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate; Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01
Magnesium, Mg	58 mg per 100 g edible portion	Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate; Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01
Sodium, Na	14 mg per 100 g edible portion	Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate; Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01

Scientific Research & References

Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate
2019 · USDA Agricultural Research Service
Limitations: Food/preparation-specific composition; not clinical-trial evidence or an individual absorption estimate.
Source assessment recorded.
USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Legacy Release: Documentation
2018 · USDA Agricultural Research Service
Limitations: Historical dataset; values may be analytical, calculated, imputed, or assumed zero. Not clinical-outcome evidence.
Source assessment recorded.
Calcium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Limitations: Official evidence summary, not a new clinical trial; applied only to the cited food-source and absorption statements.
Source assessment recorded.
Food Allergies
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Limitations: Used for major-allergen identification and label awareness; not an individual allergy diagnosis.
Source assessment recorded.
Product Categories and Products
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Limitations: Used only for bean-curd/tofu naming, not nutrition or health outcomes.
Source assessment recorded.
Tofu and Soy Yogurt
California Department of Social Services
Limitations: Used only for food identity. No CACFP eligibility claim is made in the dictionary.
Source assessment recorded.

Related dictionary entries

Products containing it

No label-specific product relationship has been reviewed for this entry.