DecodedGuides

How to store textured soy protein

Best place: the pantry. Textured soy protein is shelf stable and keeps for 2 years in a cool, dry cupboard, then 3 to 4 months once opened.

Pantry

2 years

from the package date

Fridge

No guideline

Freezer

No guideline

How to tell textured soy protein has gone bad

General signs for vegetarian proteins, the group USDA lists textured soy protein under.

  • Sour or off smell instead of a neutral, mild scent
  • Slimy film developing on the surface of tofu
  • Discoloration, especially yellowing or dark spots
  • Mould, often black or white, on tempeh
  • Packaging that has swollen or lost its seal

More on vegetarian proteins. The times above are quality guidelines, not safety limits; food that shows these signs goes out regardless of the date.

Storage habits that make the difference

Refrigerate opened tofu submerged in fresh water in a covered container, changing the water daily, and use within about a week. Keep tempeh and meat substitutes in their sealed packaging until use, then reseal tightly. Freeze extra tofu or tempeh in an airtight container for longer storage; the texture will change slightly.

How to store other vegetarian proteins

Source: USDA FSIS FoodKeeper dataset (public domain). How we decode the data.