tofu

noun

to·​fu ˈtō-(ˌ)fü 

: a soft food product prepared by treating soybean milk with coagulants (such as magnesium chloride or diluted acids) : bean curd

… tofu is our most versatile form of nonanimal concentrated protein, as well as the least processed and the most traditional.

—Mark Bittman

The tofu … was sliced uniformly and stacked neatly in the bowl of clear, seafood-flavored broth.

—Karen Hayes

Vegetarian cooking has never been so simple. Supermarkets carry packaged convenience foods like tofu hot dogs …

—Norine Dworkin

Examples of tofu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tofu and Soy Soy foods—particularly tofu—show up both in the eating patterns of both Okinawans (the Japanese residents known for their longevity) and in Dai-Keller’s own kitchen. —Lynn Andriani, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026

Made Fresh Salad's various cream cheeses and tofu spread. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 27 Feb. 2026

Instead, focus on whole foods like chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, beans, lentils, nuts, and tofu, which provide protein along with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2026

To get your allotted amount, incorporate calcium-rich foods like fatty and bony fish, leafy green vegetables, tofu and milk into your diet. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Japanese tōfu

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tofu

noun

to·​fu ˈtō-fü 

: a soft food product prepared by coagulating soybean milk

called also bean curd