National Tofu Day, celebrated on September 1st in the UK 🇬🇧, is a fun and tasty way to shine a spotlight on tofu, a versatile and nutritious food that’s gaining popularity. If you’ve ever wondered what makes tofu so special, this day is the perfect excuse to dive in and find out.
Tofu, sometimes called “bean curd,” is made from soymilk that’s curdled and then pressed into blocks. It might sound simple, but tofu is anything but plain. It comes in various types, from silky smooth to firm and chewy, and can be used in countless dishes. You can grill it, fry it, blend it into smoothies, or even bake it into desserts, tofu’s ability to soak up flavors makes it a star ingredient in many kitchens.
🌱 Are you into plant-based diet? We have a complete list of vegan & vegetarian national days for you.
National Tofu Day vs World Tofu Day
ℹ️ National Tofu Day, celebrated in the UK on September 1st, is different from World Tofu Day, which takes place on July 26th. While both days are about appreciating and enjoying tofu, National Tofu Day is specifically focused on celebrating tofu within the UK, encouraging people there to explore its many uses and benefits. On the other hand, World Tofu Day has a more global perspective, highlighting tofu’s significance and versatility around the world. So, while they share a common love for tofu, each day has its own unique focus and audience.
Tofu’s Ancient Origins: A Journey from China to the World
Tofu has a long history, dating back over 2,000 years to ancient China, where it was first created—at least according to one popular legend—by a Chinese prince. Since then, tofu has spread across the world, becoming a staple in many Asian cuisines and now a favorite in Western diets, especially among those who enjoy plant-based foods.
Tofu was introduced to the UK in the 20th century, initially popular among vegetarians and health-conscious eaters. In the 1970s and 1980s, tofu became more widely available in the UK as interest in plant-based diets grew. Today, tofu is a common ingredient in British kitchens, found in supermarkets and restaurants alike.
Despite being so popular, National Tofu Day is sadly one of the lesser-known food holidays. On Instagram, the hashtag #NationalTofuDay has only been used in a measly 923 posts (August 2024). We believe this day would deserve much more and we hope you will help us share the love on this day by sharing our article and posting about tofu on September 1st!
When Is National Tofu Day?
National Tofu Day, observed in the UK, is a time to celebrate and appreciate tofu’s versatility and health benefits. Below, you’ll find a list of dates from 2024 to 2030 to help you mark this delicious food holiday each year.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | September 1, Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1, Monday |
| 2026 | September 1, Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1, Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1, Friday |
| 2029 | September 1, Saturday |
| 2030 | September 1, Sunday |
5 Things You Didn’t Know About Tofu
National Tofu Day wouldn’t be complete without some cool tofu facts. Here are a few to share and enjoy this tofu-tastic day!
- Tofu has a history that stretches back over 2,000 years! It was first made in China, and the secret of its making spread across Asia, becoming a staple in many cuisines. Imagine, the tofu you eat today connects you to ancient culinary traditions!
- Tofu is often called the chameleon of the kitchen because it can take on any flavor it’s cooked with. From spicy stir-fries to sweet desserts, tofu seamlessly adapts, making it a favorite for creative cooks.
- Tofu is not only low in calories but also packed with protein, making it a popular choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It’s also rich in iron and calcium, and because it’s plant-based, it’s cholesterol-free!
- Compared to meat production, making tofu uses fewer resources like water and land and produces fewer carbon emissions. Choosing tofu more often can be a step toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
- In many Asian countries, tofu is celebrated with festivals and culinary competitions, highlighting its cultural importance and versatility in dishes from savory to sweet. One notable example is the Tofu Festival in Japan, particularly prominent in Kyoto, where tofu holds a special place in the local cuisine. In the US, one of the bigger tofu festivals is the Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
