Tofu Shop is an independently owned artisan soyfoods company based in Oregon. They scored highly on all categories, and go the extra mile in areas for which we didn’t even create a category. For example, the cocoa used to flavor their chocolate soymilk is fair-trade, and they make special efforts to reduce waste.

They are not in the five-bean category because they do not use exclusively American-grown soybeans. Our research indicates, however, that one of their soybean suppliers, while importing from China, works closely with Chinese farmers to ensure that the soybeans are grown according to the USDA’s organic standards. Their other supplier purchases Chinese soybeans and has less oversight over the production of these soybeans. If you are a loyal customer, and concerned about the integrity of Chinese imports, or want to support American family farmers, we would encourage you to contact the company and let them know.

They write:

“Tofu Shop Specialty Foods, Inc., has been making fine traditional-style tofu since 1977. We craft our tofu in small batches using open-kettle cooking and certified organic soybeans, and offer our customers a unique line of over two dozen tofu specialty products including smoked sticks, sausage patties, burgers, international-spiced slicers and spreads. Our products are available in Northern California and Southern Oregon.

Tofu Shop is an organic processor certified by California Certified Organic Farmers. We are also leaders in waste reduction, having won the annual WRAP Award from the California Integrated Waste Management Board every year since 2002. We divert over 99% of our waste and put out one small garbage can per week. Tofu Shop also supports dozens of regional non-profit groups through donations for fundraisers.”