Baiye tofu is a common dish in hot pot, fried chicken, and other braised dishes. It has a delightful texture with a soft, crispy texture. Most people classify it as tofu, believing it’s healthy and nutritious. But is it actually not tofu? What kind of food is Baiye tofu? Does eating Baiye tofu really make you fatter?

Is Baiye tofu tofu?

Is Baiye tofu actually tofu?

Although Baiye tofu has the word “tofu” in its name, it has a springy, crispy texture with holes on the surface, which is quite different. Although it’s called tofu, Baiye tofu is more of a soy product, and the ingredients and methods used in its production differ from tofu.

Different Preparations

Typically, tofu is primarily made from soybeans, which are ground into a paste with water and then steamed and coagulated.

However, Baiye tofu uses water, oil, isolated soy protein, and then uses starch, protein powder, and thickeners to increase its consistency and chewiness. The ingredients are first mixed with water, then placed in a pan and steamed. Most recipes also add flavorings, colorings, and spices to enhance its appearance and flavor.

Thus, Baiye tofu is quite different from more common flat tofu or soft tofu. The soft, springy texture of Baiye tofu is achieved by adding oil. The addition of starch and protein, while contributing to its firmness and chewiness, also contributes to its caloric content.

Baiye tofu is actually high in calories.

Baiye tofu is steamed, so the cooking process is less likely to contribute to its caloric content.

However, because Baiye tofu contains slightly more fat, compared to flat tofu and soft tofu, which have approximately 50 to 80 calories per 100 grams, Baiye tofu has 200 to 220 calories per 100 grams, which is three times the calorie content of traditional tofu.

The fat content of Baiye tofu is also 10 to 17 grams per 100 grams (compared to the 3 to 4 grams per 100 grams in traditional tofu), and the added fat content varies by manufacturer.

If you don’t pay attention to portion size when eating, for reasons of taste, you’re more likely to consume more calories and fat than with regular tofu.

How can you eat Baiye tofu healthier?

When eating Baiye tofu, be mindful of how it’s prepared. It’s often braised, stewed, or deep-fried, which can increase the calorie count. The holes in the Baiye tofu can also absorb liquid and fat.

Therefore, when tasting bean curd, it is better to pay attention to the amount of food. If tofu and bean curd are placed together, for those who are concerned about the calorie content in their diet, it is relatively lighter to choose “tofu”.