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tofu

tofu

Legumes/Pulses

Is tofu high in oxalates?

Oxalates status
Avoid

Is tofu high or low in oxalates? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.

Sensitivity notes

Why oxalates food checker matters

Oxalates are compounds found in many plant foods that can bind with calcium to form crystals. High oxalate intake may contribute to kidney stones in susceptible individuals and can cause other symptoms in those with oxalate sensitivity.

  • Stay well-hydrated to help prevent oxalate crystal formation
  • Pair high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods to bind oxalates
  • Cooking and boiling can reduce oxalate content in some foods
  • Spread oxalate intake throughout the day rather than one large dose
  • Consider probiotics - some gut bacteria break down oxalates

Sensitivities

What tofu contains

FODMAPs

FODMAPsLow
FructansSafe
GOSSafe
FructoseSafe
PolyolsSafe
LactoseSafe

Histamine & Amines

HistamineSafe
Histamine LiberatorsSafe
TyramineSafe

Plant compounds

SalicylatesModerate
OxalatesAvoid
LectinAvoid
NightshadesSafe

Irritants

CaffeineSafe
AlcoholSafe
Spicy FoodsSafe
Acidic FoodsSafe

Additives

SulfitesSafe
NitritesSafe
GlutamatesSafe

Allergens

Dairy ProteinsSafe
GlutenSafe
EggSafe
PeanutSafe
Tree NutsSafe
SoyAvoid
FishSafe
CrustaceansSafe
MolluscsSafe
SesameSafe
CelerySafe
MustardSafe
LupinSafe
Alpha-galSafe
NickelHigh

Diet fit

Where tofu fits

Therapeutic diets

Low HistamineFit
Low SalicylateCheck
Low FermentationAvoid
EoE CompatibleAvoid
AIPAvoid
InflammationFit
Reflux DietFit
Specific CarbohydrateAvoid
Low FibreFit
Gastroparesis DietFit

Lifestyle diets

VeganFit
VegetarianFit
PescatarianFit
MediterraneanFit
DASH DietFit
PaleoAvoid
Whole30Avoid
KetoFit
Low-carbFit

Religious diets

HalalFit
KosherFit
Hindu (no beef)Fit
JainFit
Buddhist VegetarianFit
Orthodox FastingFit
Ingredient notes

What to know about tofu

Tofu is clean on histamine, gluten and lactose, but it is high in oxalate and high in nickel, and because it is made from soybeans it is a recognised EoE and elimination-diet trigger. Its FODMAP status is texture-dependent: firm and extra-firm tofu are low FODMAP because the GOS-rich liquid is pressed out, while silken tofu holds more and sits higher. So the usual reasons tofu bothers people are oxalate and nickel, not gluten.

Watch for

  • High in oxalate, especially calcium-set tofu, which can be a problem if you are prone to kidney stones or oxalate-related symptoms
  • High in nickel, so regular tofu-heavy meals can add up for people with systemic nickel allergy
  • Firm and extra-firm tofu are low FODMAP; silken tofu is higher, so swap the texture before you cut it out
  • Soy is a top EoE and six-food-elimination trigger, so tofu comes off the list on those protocols
Learn More

Oxalates Guide

Everything you need to know about oxalates sensitivity and smart food choices.

Oxalates are compounds found in many plant foods that can bind with calcium to form crystals. High oxalate intake may contribute to kidney stones in susceptible individuals and can cause other symptoms in those with oxalate sensitivity.

Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.

These foods are generally well-tolerated for Oxalates sensitivity:

View all safe options

These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:

These foods are high in oxalates and may trigger symptoms:

View full list

If you're sensitive to Oxalates, consider these strategies:

  • 1Stay well-hydrated to help prevent oxalate crystal formation
  • 2Pair high-oxalate foods with calcium-rich foods to bind oxalates
  • 3Cooking and boiling can reduce oxalate content in some foods
  • 4Spread oxalate intake throughout the day rather than one large dose
  • 5Consider probiotics - some gut bacteria break down oxalates

Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.

Want personalized tracking?

Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.

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FAQ

Is tofu high in Oxalates?

Oxalates: higher signal - consider smaller servings or swaps.

Can I still eat tofu if I'm sensitive to Oxalates?

Best to avoid or test carefully with a small amount.

What else should I check?

Check Soy, Lectin, and Low Fermentation next for a fuller picture.