Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 5 hrs ago
Dietitian recommends tofu as a plant-based food for bone health
Dietitian Natalie Rizzo recommends tofu as a plant-based food for bone health.
Tofu is made using calcium sulfate, and firmer tofu is likely to contain more calcium.
Calcium helps build bones, while protein also supports bone health.
Getting enough calcium can help support bone density as people age.
Tofu also contains plant compounds called isoflavones, which Rizzo describes as anti-inflammatory.
For meals, firm or extra-firm tofu may offer more protein and calcium per serving, but it may need draining before cooking.
Dietitian Natalie Rizzo recommends tofu as a plant-based food that can support bone health.
Tofu provides plant-based protein and calcium, nutrients that Rizzo says work together to support bones.
Rizzo says tofu is made using calcium sulfate, and firmer tofu is likely to contain more calcium.
Tofu also contains isoflavones and phytoestrogens, which Rizzo says may help with inflammation and some menopause symptoms.
- Who
- Natalie Rizzo, a registered dietitian and TODAY nutrition editor, recommends tofu.
- What
- She recommends tofu as a plant-based food to support bone health.
- When
- The article was published on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Tofu provides protein and calcium, which support bone health. Rizzo also notes it contains isoflavones and phytoestrogens.
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- Dietitian
- Natalie Rizzo
- Publication date
- November 9, 2026
- Nutrients highlighted
- Protein, calcium and vitamin D
- Tofu preparation
- Calcium sulfate is used to coagulate tofu, according to Rizzo
- Tofu types
- Firm and extra-firm tofu tend to have the most protein and calcium per serving
What people are saying
Tofu is probably the most beneficial for bone health in terms of plant-based proteins because it’s actually made with calcium
The way that a block of tofu is coagulated is with calcium sulfate