Legumes & beans

Tofu, raw, firm, prepared with calcium sulfate

FDC 172475cup (126 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 88 · +25 vs Legumes & beans median

Firm tofu set with calcium sulfate scores 88 of 100, Strong, ranking 5th of 60 in Legumes & beans against a category median of 63. Calcium leads at 53% DV thanks to the setting agent, with protein at 35% DV, and iron and magnesium each in the good tier around 14 to 15% DV.

It takes on the flavor of whatever it is cooked with, whether stir-fried, grilled, or simmered into a curry, and a cup provides a solid plant protein base for a meal. No limits are flagged for this food, and sodium stays low at 14 mg per 100 g.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around tofu, raw, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 17.3 g · 44%Carb 2.8 g · 7%Fat 8.7 g · 49%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories144 kcal7%
Total fat8.7 g11%
Saturated fat1.3 g6%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium14 mg1%
Carbohydrate2.8 g1%
Dietary fiber2.3 g8%
Sugars-
Protein17 g35%
Potassium237 mg5%
Calcium683 mg53%
Iron2.7 mg15%
Magnesium58 mg14%
Vitamin C0.2 mg0%
Vitamin A-
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 172475

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Calcium53% DV
Protein35% DV
Iron15% DV
Magnesium14% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the legumes & beans median

Nutrient density88 vs 63 median
Protein / 100 g17 vs 21 median
Fiber / 100 g2.3 vs 5.4 median
Sodium / 100 g14 vs 203 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Soy protein concentrate, produced by alcohol extractionDensity 89 vs 88Soy protein isolate, potassium typeDensity 89 vs 88Soy flour, defattedDensity 89 vs 88

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Firm tofu is made by coagulating soy milk, here with calcium sulfate, and pressing the curds into a block dense enough to hold its shape through cooking. Its mild, almost neutral flavor makes it a blank canvas that readily soaks up marinades, soy sauce, and spices, so it's commonly pressed to remove excess water, then cubed and pan-fried until golden, grilled, baked, or added to stir-fries, curries, and soups. Sliced and marinated, it can also be threaded onto skewers, crumbled into a scramble in place of eggs, or diced into a cold salad with sesame oil and scallions.

Fresh tofu is sold in water-packed tubs in the refrigerated section; once opened, keep any unused portion submerged in fresh water in a sealed container and use it within about a week, changing the water daily. Because this version is set with calcium sulfate, it's notably high in calcium, at 53% of the Daily Value per 100 grams, alongside 17.3 grams of protein (35% of the Daily Value) and 8.72 grams of fat. At 144 calories per 100 grams with only 14 milligrams of sodium, it's a straightforward way to add a plant-based protein to a stir-fry, curry, or grain bowl without much added salt.

Frequently asked questions about tofu, raw

How do you cook firm tofu?

Press it to remove excess water, then cube it and pan-fry, bake, grill, or add it to stir-fries and curries, since it holds its shape well.

Is tofu a good source of calcium?

This variety, set with calcium sulfate, provides 53% of the Daily Value for calcium per 100 grams.

How should leftover tofu be stored?

Keep it submerged in fresh water in a sealed container in the refrigerator, changing the water daily, and use it within about a week.

View the USDA source record