Is tofu a major allergen?
Tofu is soy, and soy must be named on food labels. Tofu itself is not a separate entry on those lists.
Tofu is declared under “Soybeans” on these lists.
| Allergen | US | UK and Europe | Gulf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soybeans | Required | Required | Required |
Sources checked 13 October 2026. All allergen guides
What are the other names for tofu on a label?
Bravoora reads each of these as soy. Try the label checker · How Bravoora decides
Where is tofu found?
- Stir-fries, curries, soups and dumplings often contain tofu.
- Vegan and vegetarian burgers, sausages and ready meals are often built on it.
- Silken tofu goes into desserts, smoothies, dressings and some egg-free mayonnaise.
- Fried tofu and tofu puffs turn up in noodle dishes and salads.
Which diets and allergies does tofu fit?
A packed product can still carry a “may contain” warning, so check the pack.
Does tofu fit you?
Pick what applies to you:
Pick at least one to see your answer.
What is tofu?
Tofu is made from soybeans: They are soaked, ground and cooked into soy milk, which is set with a coagulant such as calcium sulphate or magnesium chloride (nigari) and pressed into blocks. Soy must be declared on labels in the US, the UK, the EU and the Gulf. Plain tofu holds no milk or gluten, but marinated and smoked tofu often uses soy sauce made with wheat. Yuba, the skin lifted from heated soy milk, is soy too.
How does Bravoora check for tofu?
Bravoora is a calorie tracker and ingredient checker app. Scan a pack and it answers for each person on your plan.
Bravoora reads tofu, bean curd and yuba as soy, and does not read bean curd as milk.
More questions about tofu
Is tofu dairy?
No. Tofu is made from soy milk, not cow’s milk, even though it is also called bean curd.
Does tofu fit a soy allergy profile?
No. It is made from soy milk.
Is tofu vegan?
Yes. It is made from soybeans.
Does tofu fit a milk allergy or dairy-free profile?
Yes. It has no milk, even though it is also called bean curd.
Is tofu gluten-free?
Yes. Plain tofu has no gluten; marinated and smoked tofu often uses soy sauce made with wheat.
Sources and how to cite this guide
- US FDA: Food allergies
- UK Food Standards Agency: Allergen guidance
- Health Canada: Common food allergens
- European Union: Regulation 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, Annex II
- US FDA: Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergen Labeling, Edition 5 (January 2025)
- FARE: Update to FDA guidance for food allergen labeling (tree nuts and coconut, January 2025)
- GCC Standardization Organization: GSO 9:2022, labelling of prepackaged food (current edition)
- GCC Standardization Organization: GSO 9/2013 English text, clause 5.2.5 (the allergen list as published)
- FAO/WHO international food labelling standard (CXS 1-1985, revised 2024)
To cite this guide: Bravoora, “Tofu on a food label: it means soy”, bravoora.app/ingredients/tofu/, updated 4 November 2026.
Spotted something wrong or missing? Tell us.
General information, not medical advice. Rules differ by country and products change, so always check the pack.
Related ingredient guides
SoyA bean that turns up as protein, oil, sauce and lecithin.Read the guide
TempehWhole soybeans fermented into a firm cake. On a label, tempeh means soy.Read the guide
Tree nutsAlmonds, cashews, walnuts and the rest, plus the sweets they hide inside.Read the guide
FishOften where you do not expect it: dressings, sauces and stock.Read the guide