OUR STORY
WE SET OUT TO MAKE TOFU EVEN BETTER.
Making good tofu, and doing the right thing: sometimes, it really is as simple as that. Our commitment to premium natural ingredients and a traditional Japanese style process make Soykei special. Here’s where it all started.
Born From a Tofu Shortage
Our story is simple, but it sparked a truly unique idea. In 2019, a tofu shortage hit Quebec. Isabelle and Dany, our two naturally curious founders, rolled up their sleeves and started making it in their kitchen. They quickly realized that traditional Japanese techniques produced superior-quality tofu. They developed a recipe that stands out for its taste and texture, quite different from those of conventional tofu available on the market.
Proud of their recipe and excited to share their tofu with the world, they decided to build a small prototype factory in Sherbrooke. And the public loved it!
To take the project further and boost sales, they turned to Martin, an experienced coach and business leader. Impressed by Soykei’s potential, Martin threw himself into the project and became a shareholder in 2021.
Rising From Our Ashes
In March 2022, a devastating explosion completely destroyed our production facility. It was a total loss—and a moment of deep reflection.
Instead of letting ourselves be defeated by these events, we chose to rebuild. Stronger. Smarter. With greater determination.
We invested in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Sherbrooke, and we took the opportunity to rethink who we are. That’s where Soykei was born—a name inspired by the Japanese word sonkei, which means respect. Respect for our producers, our customers, and our planet.
Almost exactly one year to the day after the explosion, we resumed production—ready to reclaim our place on store shelves, with renewed energy and a clear mission: to do even better.
Crafted With Purpose and Care
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Soykei. We believe in doing things the right way—and we’re committed to offering a high-quality product, which is why we remain true to the Japanese method that started it all.
Our ingredients come from regions near our factory, which allows us to support local farmers and reduce our carbon footprint.
Bringing Better Tofu to More Tables
Today, Soykei is available in more than 1,000 grocery stores in Canada and this is just the beginning!
Behind every block of tofu is a passionate team that loves what it does. We love meeting our customers, letting them taste our products, and explaining what makes our tofu so special—because once you try it, you’ll love it.
Next time you’re grocery shopping, keep an eye out. Come discover what passion, respect, and a touch of ingenuity can achieve. We can’t wait to share our tofu with you!
Soykei's promise
Taste Is Non-Negotiable
Eating plant-based food should be a source of joy, not a compromise. We take great care with each of our recipes so that great flavor comes naturally and every bite becomes a moment to savor.
Real Food, No Gimmicks
We use only simple, natural ingredients with names you can pronounce. No shortcuts, no shady tricks—just the real thing, made with transparency and good intentions.
Simplicity Is Part of Wellness
Life moves fast. Our products are designed to be easy to prepare, enjoyable to eat, and good for your body and mind—without adding any stress.
Rooted in Local Agriculture
Our soybeans are grown on farms near us. We support local communities, reduce our emissions, and create tofu that’s better for you and for the planet.
SOYKEI TOFU IS
THE ACE UP YOUR SLEEVE
Our tofu tastes better
Soykei tofu has a delicate flavor and a pleasant texture that pairs perfectly with any dish. With its low water content, it absorbs sauces and marinades beautifully. It’s the perfect canvas for letting your culinary creativity run wild!
And thanks to its long shelf life, Soykei tofu is ready to go whenever you are.
Vibrant and versatile!
Dice it and add it to your tacos, soups, stir-fries, and curries. Grilled until it’s as crispy as you like, it pairs perfectly with a sweet-and-salty sauce. Add silken tofu to a smoothie for a creamy texture: a super-easy snack your kids will love! You get the idea! Explore lots of tips and recipes right here.
What goes into Soykei tofu? Just a few simple, natural ingredients.
All of our tofus are made with only three ingredients: top-quality Canadian soybeans, water, and a coagulant. The only ingredient that varies from one variety to another is the coagulant: our firm and extra-firm tofu are made with nigari, a seawater extract, while our silken tofu is made with glucono-delta-lactone, a natural coagulant.
Our tofu is made using a traditional artisanal Japanese method, combined with modern technologies to ensure consistent, exceptional quality.
Is it really that simple? Absolutely. And it’s precisely this simplicity that makes our tofu so special.
A SMART - AND TASTY - CHOICE
FOR YOUR BODY, YOUR WALLET, AND THE PLANET.
SUSTAINABILITY
AT SOYKEI
Not only is our tofu delicious and nutritious, but it’s also produced in an eco-friendly way! Our soybeans are grown in healthy soil using sustainable farming methods by farmers we know and respect.
As you know, tofu is an excellent eco-friendly choice when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and the amount of farmland required—especially compared to animal proteins.
But how can you improve on something that’s already good? At Soykei, we keep our carbon footprint to a minimum by keeping the entire supply chain, from grain to plate, local.
So the next time you choose one of our tofu blocks, give yourself a pat on the back! You’re making a delicious, local, nutritious, and sustainable choice.
THE SOYKEI TOFU
TRACEABILITY STORY
At Soykei, we want to clear up the ambiguity surrounding tofu. Want to know exactly where your block of tofu comes from? We can tell you—right down to the specific field.
Our commitment to traceability means we track our soybeans every step of the way—from the farm to your fork—to ensure exceptional quality, minimal environmental impact, and maximum peace of mind.
To create flavorful tofu, you must first choose the right soybean. At Soykei, we work closely with specialists to select soybean varieties specifically suited for tofu production. We rigorously test these varieties for their unique characteristics—flavor, color, and protein content—to ensure they meet our high standards. This meticulous selection process is at the heart of the consistent texture, pure flavor, and superior quality that define Soykei tofu. It all starts with our local farmers, who know their land like the back of their hand. They grow their soybeans with care, using sustainable methods and working in harmony with nature. We work hand in hand with each of them, and we know exactly which field your future tofu came from. Everything comes to life thanks to our local suppliers—the people who clean, sort, and prepare the soybeans with care and precision. We’re not just nearby, we’re fully involved. By working closely with trusted producers, we ensure that only the best beans move on to the next step. Each batch is rigorously tracked and processed according to our high standards—so your tofu starts with clean, uniform, and proudly local beans. Our factory carefully processes soybeans grown locally by trusted farmers. Thanks to our proximity to the fields, we ensure full traceability and a reduced environmental impact. The result: tofu that’s always fresh and made right here. By choosing Soykei tofu at your local grocery store, you’re supporting a short, sustainable, and entirely Canadian supply chain. From the farm to your shopping cart, every step is carefully managed to ensure freshness, quality, and traceability.
Research and breeding
Our producers
Local expertise, from seed to tofu
Facility
Local Grocery Store
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All About Soykei
What’s tofu?
Tofu is a plant-based protein made from soybean curds. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and incredibly versatile. Quality tofu is excellent at absorbing the flavours of sauces, spices and marinades.
What makes Soykei tofu great?
Soykei tofu is made with high-quality ingredients sourced in Canada. We produce Soykei tofu according to traditional Japanese methods to achieve the most delicate taste, smoothest texture and highest protein content possible.
A key ingredient in our extra firm and firm tofu is nigari salt, a natural ingredient that gives our tofu a delightfully spongy consistency. We offer 3 varieties of tofu (silken, firm and extra firm), all ready to play a starring role in countless recipes.
Where can I buy Soykei tofu?
Our products can be found in more than 1,000 supermarkets throughout Canada. Can’t find it on the shelves yet? Ask your grocer to order Soykei tofu!
Is Soykei tofu pasteurized?
Yes! Our tofu is pasteurized, so it’s safe for babies and pregnant women. All of our varieties (extra-firm, firm, and silken) can be eaten as is, without cooking.
Is Soykei tofu vegan?
Yes! Soykei tofu is 100% plant-based and suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. It’s an excellent alternative to meat for anyone looking to reduce their consumption of animal products, their carbon footprint, or their grocery bill.
Is Soykei tofu gluten-free?
Yes! Soykei tofu is made with gluten-free ingredients in a gluten-free facility.
How is Soykei’s silken tofu made?
Silken Soykei tofu is made by following a slightly different process than for firm and extra firm tofu. We also use a different, natural coagulant called glucono-delta-lactone. Silken tofu has a softer texture, almost like a pudding or a yogurt. You can use it to make desserts, sauces, smoothies, soups, and anything that requires a creamy texture. It’s a wonderful dairy-free cream substitute.
What’s the difference between Soykei’s firm and extra-firm tofu varieties?
Both are high in protein and made with the same high-quality ingredients and artisanal techniques.
Firm tofu has a tender, slightly spongy texture with a soft interior. It’s ideal for more delicate dishes like vegetarian omelets, chopped fillings, or dairy-free desserts. It absorbs flavors very well.
Extra-firm tofu, on the other hand, is denser and drier. It holds its shape better during cooking, making it perfect for tacos, poke bowls, salads, or pasta dishes. It’s the ideal choice when tofu is the star of the dish.
What is Soykei tofu made of?
Soykei tofu is made with just three ingredients: soybeans, water, and a natural tofu coagulant – for our firm and extra-firm tofu we use nigari salt (also called magnesium chloride) and for our silken tofu, we use glucono-delta-lactone. That’s it, that’s all!
What is nigari salt?
Nigari is a mineral salt extracted from seawater that is rich in magnesium and low in sodium. It is the traditional coagulant used when making tofu in Japan. It results in a smoother texture, a delicate flavor, and a higher protein content (less water retention).
Where are Soykei soybeans sourced?
Soykei high-quality soybeans are sourced from non-GMO or organic soybean producers in Canada. We work with producers located as close to our facility as possible to minimize our carbon footprint.
Is Soykei tofu organic?
Yes! We offer an organic line for all three of our varieties: silken, firm, and extra-firm.
Is Soykei tofu non-GMO?
Yes! All Soykei tofu is non-GMO. That includes our organic and conventional varieties.
Can I recycle Soykei tofu’s packaging?
Yes! All our packaging is completely recyclable. And you don’t have to separate the plastic film or the sticker on the back, since it’s all made from the same material.
Why do you use plastic containers?
Plastic containers can generally be recycled more efficiently, which makes them a more sustainable solution than plastic bags or pouches. Our packaging also protects our tofu from light, allowing it to stay fresh longer and reducing food waste.
Can I freeze tofu?
There’s certainly no harm in freezing our firm and extra firm tofu – but it could change the texture slightly. Besides, we don’t think it’s necessary! Our tofu already has a long shelf life, with amazing flavour-absorbing properties.
Silken tofu, on the other hand, should not be frozen. The texture could change significantly; it may become crumbly and lose its smooth, custardy consistency.
How long can I keep Soykei tofu in the fridge once the package has been opened?
You can keep Soykei tofu for two to three days in the fridge once it’s open. Just make sure to put it in an airtight container, immersed in fresh water, and change the water every day.
Does Soykei firm or extra firm tofu need to be pressed?
No need for a tofu press! Just cut the block in half and gently pat each side dry with a clean cloth to remove excess water.
We do not recommend pressing our silken tofu.
Can I eat tofu raw?
Yes! All three types of Soykei tofu can be eaten raw. Our firm and extra-firm tofu are delicious on their own—for example, as a substitute for cheese in a salad. Our silken tofu, on the other hand, adds a creamy texture and can be used in place of cream in cold recipes such as smoothies or desserts.
