United States Tofu Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

United States Tofu Market Analysis

The United States Tofu Market size is estimated at 467.3 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 856.1 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.87% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The United States tofu market is experiencing significant transformation within its retail landscape, characterized by evolving distribution networks and changing consumer accessibility patterns. As of 2022, the country maintained 63,328 functioning grocery stores, providing extensive coverage for tofu products across various retail formats. The retail environment has become increasingly competitive, with Walmart emerging as the dominant grocery retailer commanding a 25.2% market share, followed by Costco and Kroger with 7.1% and 5.6%, respectively. This concentrated retail landscape has led to enhanced bargaining power among major chains, influencing product placement, pricing strategies, and overall market dynamics for tofu products.

Consumer preferences are increasingly shifting towards plant-based alternatives, driving substantial changes in retail and foodservice offerings. The foodservice sector has responded robustly to this trend, with 1,814 vegetarian restaurants operating across the United States as of July 2023, creating dedicated spaces for tofu-based cuisine. The evolution of consumer behavior is particularly evident in their purchasing patterns, with approximately 50% of American consumers regularly utilizing major meal delivery services in 2022. This shift has prompted retailers and restaurants to adapt their tofu product offerings and distribution strategies to meet the growing demand for convenient, plant-based alternatives.

Manufacturing capabilities in the tofu industry have expanded significantly to meet growing demand, with major producers implementing substantial facility expansions. House Foods America exemplifies this trend through its strategic expansion, adding a 36,000 square foot facility to its California operations, significantly boosting production capacity. The manufacturing landscape has become more sophisticated, with producers investing in advanced production technologies and automated systems to enhance efficiency and maintain consistent product quality. These developments have been accompanied by innovations in packaging, preservation techniques, and product formulations to meet diverse consumer preferences and extend shelf life.

The integration of technology across the tofu supply chain has revolutionized distribution and retail operations, particularly in the convenience store sector, which now comprises 150,174 outlets nationwide. Digital transformation initiatives have led to the implementation of self-checkout kiosks and walk-out technology in supermarkets, enhancing the shopping experience and operational efficiency. E-commerce platforms have become increasingly sophisticated, offering advanced features such as personalized recommendations, subscription services, and real-time inventory management. These technological advancements have not only improved accessibility but also enabled better demand forecasting and inventory optimization across the supply chain.

United States Tofu Market Trends

The growing domestic demand for chickpea products has supported the pricing and accelerated production growth

• The number of Americans following plant-based diets increased to nearly 9.7 million by 2022, and about one million of them are vegan. As a result, the vegan market boomed, resulting in a surge in the consumption of meat alternatives, primarily tofu. Restaurants and fast-food chains are also starting to accommodate tofu options. With the increased demand, the average price of tofu also increased by 8.32% from 2017 to 2022 in the country. There has been an expansion in the variety of tofu products, including flavored, marinated, and pre-seasoned tofu, which is appealing to customers looking for convenient and flavorful plant-based protein.
• Soybeans are getting more expensive because of unusual market dynamics as the livestock are consuming the soybeans meant for humans, leading to a lower supply for tofu makers. In 2021, the US inflation reached 7%, impacting the prices of soybean products. A reduction in labor, an increase in land rental costs, and weather uncertainty in soybean-producing countries led soybean farmers in the United States to increase prices. In 2021, the price of soybeans reached a maximum of up to USD 14.8 per bushel, whereas in 2022, the price exceeded USD 16 per bushel. During the forecast period, tofu is expected to be expensive, which may help understand Americans' willingness to pay for the protein. Tofu is typically made from soybeans. However, owing to recent advancements in the sector, tofu made from chickpeas is gaining traction in the US market. The growing domestic demand for chickpea products has supported the pricing and accelerated production growth. The grocery store prices for chickpeas were up by 12% from 2021 and 17% higher than they were pre-pandemic. This trend directly affects the cost of chickpea-based tofu in the country.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

Off-Trade Segment in United States Tofu Market

The off-trade distribution channel dominates the United States tofu market, holding approximately 63% market share in 2024. This segment's prominence is primarily driven by supermarkets and hypermarkets, which contribute significantly to the overall off-trade sales. The segment's strong performance is attributed to the increasing number of grocery stores, with over 63,000 stores operating across the United States. The widespread availability of tofu products through various retail channels, including convenience stores and online platforms, has strengthened the off-trade segment's position. Major retailers have expanded their tofu product offerings, with companies like House Foods America and Pulmuone increasing their production capacity to meet the growing retail demand. The segment's growth is further supported by innovations in retail technology, such as self-checkout kiosks and walk-out technology, enhancing the shopping experience for consumers.

On-Trade Segment in United States Tofu Market

The on-trade segment is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel in the United States tofu market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 13% during 2024-2029. This robust growth is driven by the expanding foodservice sector, particularly the increasing number of vegetarian restaurants, with over 1,800 establishments operating across the country. The segment's expansion is supported by the growing popularity of plant-based diets and increased demand for vegetarian and vegan options in restaurants. Food service establishments are actively incorporating tofu into their menus through innovative dishes like kaminari dofu, chipotle grilled tofu, and tofu scramble, attracting diverse consumer segments. The adoption of new business models by food enterprises, including enhanced takeaway and home delivery services, has further accelerated the segment's growth, with about 50% of American consumers regularly using major meal delivery services.

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