If you see these 4 signs when buying tofu, don’t buy it

Tofu is a familiar and nutritious food. It is considered a plant-based meat due to its high protein content, quality fats, carbohydrates, and many vitamins and minerals.

Whether fried, boiled, or cooked with other ingredients, tofu always makes delicious dishes at an affordable price, often appearing in many Vietnamese meals.

However, when buying tofu, we also need to learn how to distinguish it to avoid purchasing low-quality tofu that could affect health. Below are 4 signs in tofu that should make you avoid buying it, no matter how cheap it is.

1. Too white tofu
   Tofu is made by crushing soybeans, adding some additives, and cooking. Its main ingredient is still soybeans. Since soybeans contain some pigments and proteins, they are naturally light yellow in color, so tofu usually has this color.

However, to make it look more appealing, many tofu makers add whiteners or other chemicals during the production process. While tofu that is too white may look appetizing, its taste and nutritional value are greatly reduced. In fact, consuming large amounts of such tofu may pose a health risk.

Therefore, when buying tofu, avoid selecting ones that are excessively white.

2. Slimy tofu surface
   When buying tofu, you can gently touch the surface to check if it is sticky. Fresh tofu has a soft, smooth surface that lightly wobbles when touched. But if the surface feels slimy and sticky, it means the tofu has been stored for too long and is starting to spoil.

The sliminess on the surface is caused by a large number of bacteria producing toxins, which can harm your health and lead to symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. In some severe cases, it can even cause food poisoning.

3. Tofu with an unusual smell
   Tofu, made from soybeans, has a mild, pleasant soybean aroma. This is the normal smell of fresh tofu.

However, if the tofu has a strange or sour smell, it means it was made a long time ago or has been contaminated during storage. This type of tofu not only smells unpleasant but may also contain many bacteria and toxins, posing a health risk if consumed.

4. Tofu that is not soft
   The main component of tofu is water. When tofu is stored for a long time, it loses moisture.

Thus, when buying tofu, you should pay attention to its elasticity. Fresh tofu is moist, and when pressed lightly, you can feel the elasticity. If not, it means the tofu has been stored for too long and has lost its moisture.

Tofu like this loses its flavor and is no longer tasty, so it’s best not to buy it.