Does Tofu Extra Firm contain dairy or gluten?

No, Tofu Extra Firm is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free. It is made entirely from soybeans and mineral coagulants.

Is Tofu Extra Firm good for weight loss?

Yes, it is low in calories and sugar but high in protein, which promotes satiety and helps prevent overeating.

Where can I buy Tofu Extra Firm?

It is widely available at major grocery chains (Whole Foods, Kroger, Walmart), Asian markets, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Tofu Extra Firm safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. It contains no caffeine or added sugar, though soy allergies should always be ruled out first.

Is Tofu Extra Firm Keto?

Yes, Tofu Extra Firm is keto-friendly. As a Senior Food Scientist, I can confirm that its macronutrient profile aligns perfectly with the strict requirements of a ketogenic diet. This plant-based staple is low in carbohydrates and high in fat, making it an excellent meat substitute for those tracking their net carbs.

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why Tofu Extra Firm is suitable for keto, we must look at how it is produced. Unlike softer varieties, extra firm tofu is pressed to remove excess water, resulting in a denser nutritional profile. The ingredients list is refreshingly simple and free of hidden sugars or starches that often derail ketosis.

The primary ingredient is Water, which is calorie-free and has no impact on blood sugar. The protein source is Whole Soybeans. Soybeans are naturally low in net carbohydrates and are considered a 'fatty' legume due to their lipid content, which provides the energy source required for keto.

The coagulants used are Calcium Sulfate and Nigari (magnesium chloride extracted from seawater). These are mineral-based salts used to curdle the soy milk. They are inorganic compounds that do not metabolize into glucose. There are no added gums, fillers, or starches (like potato starch) often found in processed tofu, making this a clean choice for the diet.

Nutritional Value

When evaluating a food for keto, we look at the net carb count: Total Carbohydrates minus Fiber. A standard serving of Extra Firm Tofu typically contains approximately 2 grams of total carbohydrates and 1 gram of dietary fiber. This results in a Net Carb count of just 1 gram, which is negligible and easily fits within the daily limit of 20-50 grams allowed on a ketogenic diet.

Fat content is where tofu shines for keto adherents. While raw tofu is lower in fat, the 'Extra Firm' variety is often cooked in oils or retains a higher concentration of soybean oil lipids. A serving can contain between 8 to 11 grams of fat. This high fat-to-carb ratio (often exceeding a 1:1 ratio) helps you meet your macro goals without spiking insulin.

Calorically, it is dense but manageable. With roughly 100 calories per 100g serving, it provides substantial satiety through protein (approx. 10g) without the caloric load of fatty meats. It is a 'volume eating' dream for keto, allowing you to eat a satisfying portion size for very few carbs.