4 Signs Tofu Has “Something Wrong” — No Matter How Cheap, Don’t Buy It

Tofu may be inexpensive, but your health isn’t. Skipping a few cheap but low-quality pieces of tofu can help you avoid unnecessary risks at the family dinner table.

Tofu is a familiar staple in many Vietnamese households because it’s affordable, easy to eat, and generally considered healthy. However, not every block of tofu at the market is as safe as its clean white appearance suggests. If you look closely, poor-quality tofu often shows very clear warning signs. The problem is that many people, tempted by low prices or out of habit, overlook them. Below are four common signs that tofu may be “problematic”—no matter how cheap it is, think twice before buying.

1. Unnaturally bright white, “lifeless” looking tofu
Traditional soybean tofu usually has an off-white or slightly yellowish color, with a matte surface rather than a glossy one. If a block looks stark white all the way through and has a plasticky or artificial appearance, be cautious.

Many people assume whiter tofu means cleaner tofu. In reality, an unnaturally bright white color may result from additives or chemical treatments used to make tofu look more appealing and last longer. This type of tofu often looks good but tastes bland and lacks the natural soybean aroma.

2. Too firm or strangely elastic to the touch
Good tofu should feel moderately soft, with gentle natural springiness, and it should break easily if pressed firmly. If the tofu feels unusually hard, doesn’t crumble, or even feels chewy, that’s a red flag. Some tofu dents when pressed but springs back very quickly, almost like rubber. This often indicates it has been altered during production to hold its shape longer, which is not characteristic of traditional tofu.

3. Soaked for hours but the water stays crystal clear
Market tofu is usually kept submerged in water to stay moist. With fresh, same-day tofu, the water will become slightly cloudy over time and carry a very mild soybean scent. If the tofu sits in water for hours and the water remains perfectly clear, odorless, or oddly cold, you should be suspicious. Overly clear water may mean the tofu has been treated to slow natural breakdown. This isn’t a sign of freshness, but rather that the tofu is no longer behaving like a truly fresh food.

4. Strange smell, not like soybeans
Fresh tofu has a very light, clean scent—or almost no smell at all. If it gives off a sour, sharp, or unusual odor, even if it’s not yet slimy or falling apart, it’s best to walk away. Some people think thorough frying or boiling will make it safe, but an off smell usually means the tofu has deteriorated or been improperly stored. With a simple ingredient like tofu, poor quality can’t be saved by cooking.

Shop smart: Don’t let low prices guide your choices
Tofu is cheap, but cheap doesn’t mean you should accept every risk. When shopping, prioritize familiar stalls that sell tofu in the morning, with blocks kept whole and not pre-cut for too long. Checking the color, touching the texture, and noticing the smell are simple steps that can help you avoid low-quality tofu.

In the end, for everyday foods like tofu, safety matters more than saving a few extra cents. If you notice any of these four warning signs, it’s better to walk away—your family’s health isn’t worth trading for a bargain.