Can Babies Eat Tofu?

Tofu is a food made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into blocks, which color and softness can vary. Because of these curds, tofu is also known under the name of bean curd. Tofu can be silken, soft, firm or extra firm, and due to its spongy texture it absorbs the flavors of the seasoning or marination it is exposed to.

Tofu has its origins in China, where it has been consumed for over 2000 years, but it is also a traditional ingredient in other dishes, especially in Asian cuisines.

The name tofu is also used for many curdled dishes that do not contain soy products, but they are similar in texture. Almond tofu, chickpea tofu, egg tofu, peanut tofu or sesame tofu, but they are not real tofu.

Tofu is low in calories, but it is high in protein and iron, and it can be high in magnesium and calcium, depending on the coagulants, which were used during the manufacturing process. It has dietary fibers too, which normalize bowel movements.

Can Babies Eat Tofu Raw?

Tofu is a great alternative for protein, not only in the meals for adults, but also for babies. It can be eaten raw, but there is a large scale of preparing tofu: it can be baked, sautéed, used as soup, broth ingredient, but also incorporated into grain dishes. Tofu makes a great finger food for babies, but parents should pay attention to possible allergies to soy. Tofu should be given to babies starting at the age of 8 months, due to the fact, that it has complex proteins, which may not be digested properly at a younger age.

Tofu & Tomato Soup

Ingredients: 1 chopped, medium sized tomato, 1 finely chopped small onion, 1 tsp olive oil, 2/3 cup of soft tofu, ½ cup of soy milk, few fresh basil leaves.

Heat the oil in a flat pan. Put the chopped onions into the pan and sautee them until they turn golden brown, add the chopped tomatoes and the basil leaves and cook until they get tender. Pour the soy milk and cook it with the rest of the mixture. Remove from heat and mix in the soft tofu. Transfer the mixture into a food processor and blend until smooth. Adjust the texture by adding some soy milk, if needed.