Is it safe for soy allergy sufferers to eat tofu?
Quick Answer
No
Tofu is made from soybeans, so it is not safe for people with a soy allergy to consume.
What Is It?
Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a food prepared by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into solid white blocks of varying softness.
Why It Can Be Risky
Eating tofu can pose serious health risks for individuals with a soy allergy.
- An allergic reaction to soy, a product from which tofu is made, can cause symptoms such as itching, hives, and swelling.
- In severe cases, a soy allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that impairs breathing and can send the body into shock.
Safe Alternatives
- For those with a soy allergy, alternatives to tofu include chickpea tofu, almond tofu, and burmese tofu.