3 Tofu Recipes for Kids (2024)

FAQs

How do you feed tofu to kids? ›

For brand new eaters, tofu is an ideal first food and can work well for baby-led weaning. Simply cut a block of tofu into long strips that your baby can practice picking up and feeding herself. Alternatively, you can crumble extra firm tofu or cut it into small cubes she can bite.

The short answer is yes, as long as they aren't allergic or intolerant to soy. Tofu is a minimally-processed, healthy food for babies and kids that offers plenty of nutrients. It's a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and many essential micronutrients including iron, zinc, and calcium.

What kind of tofu is best for babies? All tofu contains essential nutrients to nourish a growing child, although some offer more nutrition. For example, silken tofu often contains less protein and micronutrients than firm and extra-firm tofu, which are loaded with protein, iron, and zinc.

It is made from dried soybeans that are soaked in water and then crushed and boiled. Soy milk is separated from the solids. The soy milk is poured into molds to allow the carbohydrate-laden whey to drain off. This results in soft cakes of tofu that are cut into squares and stored under water.

Use tofu in children's daily meals

So children eating a lot of tofu may not be good. But to overcome this shortcoming, pediatricians all encourage mothers and caregivers to give children tofu with meat, egg yolks as well as some other complex protein-containing foods when the baby is born.

You can serve tofu raw, baked or stir-fried — just make sure the final texture is soft enough that you can still squish it between your fingers. Tofu that's very well-baked or overly crisp might have a tough outer skin that's difficult for your baby to gum or chew. As for soft or silken tofus?

Risk is increased in children consuming high amount of soy

But soy contains estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones that can adversely affect the immune system. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the use of soy formula for infants because of these isoflavones, even if a child has diarrhea.

Low calorie density: Tofu is a low calorie food, with around 70-90 calories per 100 grams, making it a good option for those who are trying to lose weight. This is because foods with low calorie density help you feel full with fewer calories, which can help you consume fewer total calories throughout the day.

Soy comes from soybeans, which are in the legume family (along with beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts). Some people are allergic to just one type of legume; others are allergic to more than one. Allergy to soy is more common in infants and kids than teens and adults, but can develop at any age.

Incorporating tofu into your daily meals and snacks can bring several health benefits. Those benefits include brain health promotion, ease of menopause symptoms, and heart disease prevention. However, eating tofu has some risks, as it might lead to digestive issues or interact with certain medications like MAOIs.

Is tofu safe for girls? ›

Health risks of eating tofu

Eating tofu and other soy foods every day is generally considered safe. That said, you may want to moderate your intake if you have: Breast tumors: Because of tofu's weak hormonal effects, some doctors suggest that people with estrogen-sensitive breast tumors limit their soy intake.

Yes, Boys Can Enjoy Soy!

How much protein can you get from soy? The abundance of research and soy's inclusion in the USDA Dietary Guidelines confirm soy is a healthy, nutritious choice for men (and women) of all ages.

Tofu is a fantastic option for those following plant-based or vegan diets, while paneer caters to individuals who include dairy in their diets. Tofu brings additional nutrients such as iron and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-dense choice.

SOY and health

Tofu is made from the whole bean and has a higher nutritional value than soya protein extract and no toxins. Soya is well researched as a nutritional component that, as we have discovered, has been a part of the diets of millions of adults and children in Asia for centuries.

When Can Babies Eat Tofu? Tofu can be offered to babies as soon as they're ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. It's important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.

Tofu can be eaten raw, and so cooking it is completely optional and is mostly done for texture or to bind the sauce to the tofu. You can pan-sear the sides and add it to a colorful stir-fry or deep-fry it and coat it in a savory and sweet sauce.

Choose silken or soft tofu as they will be easiest to blend into a puree, and they can be taken out of the package and used as is, with no need to cook, as long as they are pasteurized. Blend the silken or soft tofu in a blender or food processor, and then offer it to your baby on a pre-loaded spoon.

Add silken tofu to smoothies, baby food purees, or in puree soups. To serve tofu in the baby-led weaning style, offer it in finger-size pieces. To serve tofu as a finger food, cut it into small pieces for baby to pick up.