Is Naked Tofoo the Ultimate Tofu for Vegans?

Before we dive in, let me clarify that this is a completely independent review—I am not being paid for this. Naked Tofoo, in my opinion, is the perfect tofu. Throughout this review, I’ll explain why I hold this belief. As a huge fan and frequent consumer of Naked Tofoo, I decided it was time to thoroughly explore the product, its ingredients, packaging, the brand, and its overall sustainability.

The Tofoo Company is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and clean ingredients.

Since adopting a vegan lifestyle, I’ve tried many different types and brands of tofu, but Naked Tofoo stands out as my favourite. Its firm texture and the fact that it doesn’t require pressing are major plus points for me.

Brand Background

To provide some context about the brand behind Naked Tofoo, here’s a brief look at their story:

> “In 2015, husband and wife David Knibbs and Lydia Smith bought a small artisan tofu business in Malton, North Yorkshire, which had been run by Ron, a vegan and expert in crafting the best tofu from a traditional Japanese recipe. Their vision was to launch an exciting new tofu brand using this fantastic product to show that the world should love tofu. They aimed to create a fun and exciting brand that could be stocked in UK supermarkets, making high-quality handmade tofu accessible to all. In September 2016, The Tofoo Co. was born. So, we’re starting a tofu revolution – one delicious meal at a time. Are you with us?” ([Source](https://example.com/faqs))

This quote from their [FAQs](https://example.com/faqs) encapsulates the essence of The Tofoo Co. and their mission to make high-quality, handmade tofu accessible and beloved by everyone. Their dedication to traditional techniques and creating an engaging brand has clearly paid off, making Naked Tofoo a product worth trying.

They have GM-free and organic certification and only source from vetted farms that adhere to their sustainability requirements, including no deforestation, sustainable farming practices, and good workers’ rights. They won the Great Taste Award in 2022.

Ingredients and Nutritional Value

Tofu:

• Water: Assumed to be potable water.
• Soya Beans: A versatile and nutritious edible bean.
• Nigari Also called bittern, used as a coagulant in making tofu. It is the liquid left over from the production of table salt from seawater.

This tofu product is a rich source of protein and essential minerals, while being relatively low in carbohydrates and sugars. It also has a moderate fat content with a low amount of saturated fats.

Naked Tofoo Offers Several Health Benefits:

• High Protein Content
• Muscle Maintenance and Growth: With 16.5g of protein per 100g, tofu is an excellent source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Satiety: Protein-rich foods can help keep you fuller for longer, aiding in weight management.

• Low Carbohydrate
• Blood Sugar Control: With only 1.1g of carbohydrates per 100g, tofu is suitable for those managing blood sugar levels, including individuals with diabetes.

• Low in Saturated Fats
• Heart Health: Tofu is low in saturated fats (1.2g per 100g), which can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Rich in Essential Minerals
• Iron: Contains 2.15mg of iron per 100g, crucial for transporting oxygen in the blood and supporting metabolic processes.
• Calcium: Provides 81.9mg of calcium per 100g, important for bone health and muscle function.

• Good Source of Fibre
• Digestive Health: With 1.9g of fiber per 100g, tofu can aid digestion and promote gut health.

• Low in Salt
• Blood Pressure Control: With only 0.06g of salt per 100g, tofu helps in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

• Organic Ingredients
• Less Exposure to Pesticides: The tofu is made with organic soybeans, potentially reducing exposure to harmful pesticides and chemicals.

• Plant-Based
• Sustainable Choice: Tofu is a more environmentally friendly protein source compared to animal-based products, contributing to sustainability.
• Suitable for Vegans: Tofu is an excellent protein source for those following plant-based diets.

• Versatility
• Culinary Flexibility: Tofu can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to smoothies, making it easy to incorporate into a balanced diet.

• Phytoestrogens
• Hormonal Balance: Tofu contains isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen that can mimic oestrogen in the body. This can be beneficial for menopausal symptoms and bone health, though it’s always good to consume in moderation.

Overall, incorporating tofu into your diet can contribute to a well-rounded, nutritious eating plan, providing numerous health benefits.

Sustainability and Packaging

As mentioned earlier, all Naked Tofoo’s soya beans are sourced from sustainable farms in Canada, China, and Europe. None of their soya beans lead to deforestation ([Source](https://example.com/faqs)).

Their packaging consists of recyclable cardboard on the outside and plastic inside. While plastic remains a challenge in the food industry due to its need to protect the product from air and germs.

The Tofoo Co is committed to finding a more sustainable packaging option.

Taste and Texture

Discussing the taste of tofu can be tricky, as it largely depends on how it’s cooked. You have to season tofu—let me emphasize that for those who say they don’t like tofu: YOU HAVE TO SEASON TOFU! Unlike many other brands, firm tofu typically needs pressing to remove moisture, but what I love about Naked Tofoo is that you don’t need to press it; it comes super firm straight out of the packet. Naked Tofoo absorbs flavours wonderfully and is a delight to cook with.

Versatility and Uses

As mentioned, Tofoo is incredibly versatile. It can be stir-fried, grilled, baked, deep-fried, boiled, scrambled, marinated, blended into a smoothie, roasted, braised, smoked, pickled, or cubed and added to a salad. The possibilities are endless.

My personal favourite is scrambled Naked Tofoo, and here’s a simple recipe to bring out its best flavours using Kala Namak:

Scrambled Naked Tofoo Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm or extra-firm Naked Tofoo, drained and crumbled
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or any cooking oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (for colour)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Kala Namak (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste (if needed)
• Optional: chopped vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms

Instructions:

1. Prepare Tofu: No need to press Naked Tofoo, so just crumble it with your hands or a fork.
2. Heat Oil: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Cook Tofoo: Add the crumbled Tofoo to the pan and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season: Add turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Kala Namak. Mix well to ensure the Tofoo is evenly coated.
5. Add Veggies (Optional): If you’re using vegetables, add them to the pan and cook until they are tender.
6. Taste and Adjust: Taste the scrambled Tofoo and adjust the Kala Namak and salt if needed.
7. Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like chives or parsley.

The magic ingredient here is **Kala Namak**, also known as Himalayan black salt. Its distinct sulphuric aroma and flavour mimic the taste of eggs, making it a popular choice in vegan cooking.

Conclusion

I absolutely adore Naked Tofoo. It’s crafted from clean, sustainable ingredients, and the packaging is designed to be as eco-friendly as possible while ensuring the food’s safety. The company is deeply committed to minimizing their carbon footprint and caring for the planet, which gives me confidence and peace of mind when consuming their products. Naked Tofoo is a joy to cook with, especially because it doesn’t require pressing. I highly recommend it to both vegans and non-vegans alike. It’s perfect for tofu newcomers, offering an easy and versatile ingredient to experiment with. Overall, Naked Tofoo is a fantastic product from a brilliant, planet-conscious company.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Naked Tofoo! Have you tried it? What are your favourite recipes? Please share your feedback on this blog as well. I look forward to connecting with you in the comments!

Check out our other reviews

https://veganverity.com/vegan-black-pudding-asda-review/

https://veganverity.com/richmond-meat-free-sausages-review/

https://veganverity.com/red-bull-sugar-free-vegan-health-sustainibility/