Can I Eat Raw Tofu?

Have you ever wondered if you can eat it raw? We have! Indeed, many foods must be pasteurized before you can eat them (dairy products, for example), while others simply cannot be eaten raw (e.g. chicken).

What Is Tofu?

Tofu is made from soybeans that were soaked and then transformed into soy milk. Minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, or magnesium chloride (even lemon juice) are added to coagulate the liquid preparation. The curd is then pressed to remove enough water for the desired consistency.

Psst! Silken, soft, firm and extra-firm tofus are available on the market. Cooked or fried tofu is used in many recipes, while other preparations include soft and raw tofu (often crumbled or diced).

How to Store Tofu

If the packaging is unopened, you can generally store it in your refrigerator until the expiry date. However, once opened, you can only store your tofu in the fridge for 6 to 7 days in a sealed container filled with water.

Make sure to change the water everyday. You can also freeze your tofu for an optimal preservation! 

What does the expiry date really mean?

Most food products have an expiry date to ensure safety and quality before the indicated date. But it’s an approximative date, which means that a food product can still be good to eat passed its expiry date.

Regardless, if you have any doubts on the appearence, smell, or taste of the product, don’t take chances and compost it! The expiry date is mostly essential for foods involving high health risks, such as fresh meats, poultry, dairy products… and tofu.

Is It Possible to Eat Raw Tofu?

The idea of eating raw tofu is in fact misleading since tofu is a pre-cooked product. When raw tofu is employed, cold tofu is actually meant. When compared to raw meat or egg, raw tofu has a relatively low risk of food poisoning.

However, it can increase chances of having food poisoning depending on how it’s prepared. As with all other processed foods, cross-contamination remains a risk.

Symptoms of food poisoning

Eating Raw Tofu: yes… and no!

When you buy tofu or prepare it yourself at home, store it in a bowl filled with water and change that water everyday. In the event that this rule was not applied, there is a higher chance that germs may thrive.

The main pathogens include Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica. Yet, cooking only destroys 2 of these 4 pathogens—Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica.

Conditions to eat raw tofu

GOOD TO KNOW: If all these conditions are respected, you can eat cold tofu. Make sure to store it in your refrigerator. And adjust the temperature so it’s lower than 4 °C. Also, use clean ustensils and knives when preparing your tofu.