Is Lemon pepper Tofu Bites Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why these tofu bites are controversial in the vegan community, we have to look past the main star—soybeans—and examine the flavor additives. The base of the product is excellent; it uses water and soybeans to create a firm texture, coagulated with calcium sulfate and glucono delta-lactone. These are standard, plant-based coagulants used in tofu production.

The issue arises with the cane sugar. In the United States, a significant portion of refined cane sugar is processed using bone char—charred animal bones—to filter and bleach the sugar to make it white. Because the ingredient list simply says "cane sugar" rather than "organic cane sugar" or "beet sugar," we cannot guarantee it is vegan. Additionally, the natural flavors are a proprietary blend that can sometimes hide animal-derived compounds, though in a savory product like this, they are usually plant-based. The rest of the ingredients, including lemon peel, black pepper, and distilled white vinegar, are unequivocally vegan.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Lemon pepper Tofu Bites are a solid source of plant-based protein. Tofu is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. The addition of turmeric provides a minor boost of antioxidants. Regarding the flagged ingredient, the cane sugar content is generally low per serving, but it contributes to the overall caloric density without adding significant nutritional value. If you are monitoring your sugar intake for weight management or blood sugar control, this product is acceptable in moderation, but it shouldn't be relied upon as a low-sugar staple. The sodium content from the sea salt is also worth noting for those on a low-sodium diet.