Trader Joe’s New Tofu Sheets Have Created a Social Media Frenzy. But What Even Are They?

Trader Joe’s recently introduced a game-changing vegan product that is causing a stir among loyal shoppers: tofu sheets. 

In the last few weeks, tofu sheets have started to appear in the frozen aisles of Trader Joe’s, with reactions to the product causing a viral moment on social media. For those customers who are familiar with the product, including many vegans, it elicited an outpouring of excitement.

“I audibly gasped!!! Yay!” one Reddit commenter posted. 

The Edgy Veg

“My store had a blank space in the freezer section with a post-it note sign. I’m thinking they are getting stocked tonight,” another Redditor shared.

What are tofu sheets?

Tofu sheets, also known as yuba, are a staple ingredient in Japanese and Chinese cooking. They are made from the delicate tofu film that forms during the production of soy milk and are primarily composed of soy protein and water. The films are collected and dried into yellowish sheets known as tofu skin or sheets.

Trader Joe’s tofu sheets have become the talk of the town because of their versatility and convenience. Tofu sheets are typically hard to find, especially in this format. At some Asian grocers, they’re sold dried and need to be rehydrated, an often time-consuming process. 

Trader Joe’s

Priced at just $2.99, Trader Joe’s tofu sheets come conveniently packaged in boxes containing two servings. The product is frozen and requires a quick spin in the microwave before being ready to incorporate into various dishes. 

Customers have reported spotting the tofu sheets in Trader Joe’s freezer aisle, with the product quickly flying off the shelves. Excitement is building among shoppers eager to experiment with this new addition to their cooking repertoire.

“I love yuba and there are so many recipes I want to try using it but my local Asian markets never have any!” another chimed in.

How do you use tofu sheets?

For those who aren’t familiar, the tofu sheets are being met with confusion and genuine curiosity. “I am naïve so don’t laugh at me. Or do! Anyway, it’s a tofu sheet? That you can add to soup? So you have a sheet of tofu swimming around in your soup? Help a gal out, I’ve never heard of it,” someone posted on Reddit.

This type of tofu is commonly used in stir-fries, soups, hot pots, salads, and as wrappers for rice. It’s texturally different than other kinds of tofu. However, like any variety, tofu sheets lend themselves to a myriad of creative culinary applications and can soak up the spices and flavors of whatever dish you’re preparing them with. 

Okonomi Kitchen

Plus, their chewy texture means you can use them in place of noodles or even meat when flavored correctly.

From stir-fries to sushi rolls, Trader Joe’s tofu sheets seem to be inspiring a wave of culinary experimentation. The product has even caught the attention of cooking enthusiasts who have longed for the convenience of frozen tofu sheets, eliminating the need for laborious rehydration.

“Once I get my hands on some, I plan to throw in a handful on top of my Japanese curry rice,” one enthusiast mentioned.

As this innovative product gains popularity, it is poised to become a staple in the frozen section for Trader Joe’s shoppers. With the cozy cooking season upon us, it’s advised to grab a few boxes of tofu sheets before they become even harder to procure. 

Vegan products at Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s has long been known for its affordable vegan products. From nut milks and whipped cream to Korean bulgogi—Trader Joe’s has become a wonderland for plant-based shoppers, spawning Facebook communities, thousands of TikToks, and countless online guides to help customers find the best vegan products out there.

Trader Joe’s

In fact, the retail chain is so popular for plant-based shoppers that VegNews created the Best Vegan Trader Joe’s Awards. After tens of thousands of votes, reliable shoppers agreed that items such as Non-Dairy Oat Beverage, Boursin Dairy-Free Garlic and Herbs cheese alternative spread, and Sweet Rose Coconut Whipped Topping stood out among all the options in 2023. 

Maybe the tofu sheets will make the top spot this year?