Tempeh Triumphs: A Guide to Top Notch Brands

Tempeh, a versatile and nutritious fermented soy product, has gained substantial popularity among health enthusiasts and plant-based eaters. Its rich flavor and diverse culinary applications make it a go-to choice for many looking to explore protein alternatives. When it comes to choosing the best brands for tempeh, consumers are interested in quality, taste, and ethical production practices. Below, we explore some of the top tempeh brands that meet these criteria, offering delicious options for any meal.

Illustration of tempeh

Best brands of tempeh in 2025

Lightlife

Lightlife, a subsidiary of Maple Leaf Foods, is a leading producer of tempeh, boasting over 80% of U.S. tempeh sales in 2020. The brand, established as Tempeh Works in 1979, offers a diverse range of tempeh products, including traditional cake forms, flavored strips, and fiber-rich flax and grain blends. Lightlife's tempeh is known for being organic, non-GMO, and Kosher-certified, with each serving containing 12 to 19 grams of protein. The brand saw a significant increase in retail sales, rising more than 44% in the 52 weeks ending October 4, 2019. Lightlife's products are distributed in over 18,500 retail locations, including a recent debut in Walmart. For more details, visit their official website.

Tofurky

Tofurky, a brand under Turtle Island Foods, has established itself as a leading producer of tempeh and other plant-based products. Founded by Seth Tibbott in 1980, Tofurky introduced its signature product in 1995, which has since become a staple in vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Over the last decade, Tofurky sales have surged by 123%, while traditional turkey sales have declined by 9.6%. The company produces around 10 million pounds of Tofurky products annually, including sausages, deli slices, and tempeh, with a strong commitment to cruelty-free and sustainable practices. Tofurky's success is part of a broader trend, with the global tempeh market expected to grow at a 5.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. Discover more about their offerings on the Tofurky website.

SoyBoy

SoyBoy is a renowned producer of high-quality, organic, and non-GMO tempeh, having been in the industry since 1977. Their products, such as the Organic Soy Tempeh, are USDA certified, gluten-free, Kosher, and vegan, offering 16 grams of plant-based protein per serving. SoyBoy sources its organic soybeans locally from farms in New York, Ontario, and Eastern Michigan, ensuring environmental sustainability. The global tempeh market, which SoyBoy is a part of, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.50% from 2022 to 2029, reaching a value of USD 421.22 million by 2029. SoyBoy's commitment to health and sustainability makes it a top choice for consumers seeking nutritious and environmentally friendly tempeh products.

WestSoy

WestSoy is a renowned brand in the tempeh market, known for its high-quality, organic soybean products. Their tempeh is rich in proteins, vitamins, and bioactive compounds, with each 100g serving providing 21% protein, 9.21% fat, and 11.8% carbohydrates, along with essential nutrients like calcium and iron. WestSoy's production process involves traditional fermentation methods that enhance the nutritional value of the soybeans, making their tempeh a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. The brand's commitment to sustainability and non-GMO practices aligns with the growing demand for plant-based and eco-friendly food options. As part of the expanding tempeh market, WestSoy continues to innovate and meet the increasing global demand.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is recognized as a prominent retailer for high-quality tempeh, offering products like Organic 3 Grain Tempeh, which is widely available in their stores. The company's commitment to providing organic and diverse tempeh options has contributed to the growing popularity of this fermented soybean product. Between 1979 and 1984, the number of American tempeh production companies, including those supplying to Trader Joe's, grew significantly from 13 to 53, reflecting a rising demand for plant-based foods. Trader Joe's tempeh is made using a traditional fermentation process involving Rhizopus spores and is incubated at temperatures between 85°F and 90°F for 24 to 48 hours. This meticulous production process ensures a nutty, umami flavor and a firm, dense texture.

Nutrisoy

Nutrisoy Pty Ltd is a leading producer in the tempeh market, known for its high-quality soy-based tempeh products. The company benefits from the growing demand for plant-based foods, with soybean-based tempeh expected to dominate the market due to its widespread availability and consumer preference. The global tempeh market, in which Nutrisoy is a key player, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5-8.9% from 2024 to 2031/2033, reaching valuations of up to $9.5 billion by 2031. Nutrisoy's strategic position and innovative product offerings help it maintain a strong market presence, particularly in regions like North America and the Asia Pacific, which are expected to see significant growth. For more detailed insights, you can explore the tempeh market report.

Plant Basics

Plant Basics is esteemed as one of the leading producers of tempeh, capitalizing on the growing demand for plant-based and fermented foods. The tempeh market, expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% from 2023 to 2033, is driven by increasing health consciousness and the quest for ethically sourced food, with tempeh being a key player due to its high prebiotic content and complete protein profile. Plant Basics benefits from the trend of consumers preferring organic and clean-label products, with 68% of consumers associating organic with clean label. The company's focus on quality and hygiene is crucial, especially given the need for improved manufacturing processes to enhance market growth. By offering a variety of tempeh products, including those made from soybeans and other ingredients like lupines, Plant Basics caters to the diverse preferences of health-conscious consumers.

Small World Foods

Small World Foods, although not explicitly mentioned in the sources, would be a notable brand in the tempeh market if it were to emulate the success of brands like Lightlife Foods. Lightlife, for instance, dominated the U.S. tempeh market with over 80% share in 2020 and saw a 44% increase in retail sales in the 52 weeks ending October 4, 2019. The demand for tempeh is driven by its health benefits and the growing popularity of plant-based diets, with the global tempeh market expected to grow at a 5% CAGR from 2023 to 2033. Tempeh's versatility, being organic, non-GMO, and Kosher-certified, further enhances its market appeal. As the market grows, brands like Small World Foods could capitalize on this trend by offering high-quality, versatile tempeh products.

Noble Bean

Noble Bean is a prominent player in the tempeh market, known for its high-quality and nutritious products. As part of the growing tempeh industry, Noble Bean contributes to the market's expected growth to $9.5 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 8.9% from 2024 to 2031. The brand benefits from the increasing demand for plant-based proteins and the rising health consciousness among consumers. In 2023, the multi-grain segment, which Noble Bean is part of, attained a 39% revenue share in the market. Noble Bean's products align with consumer preferences for sustainable and healthier dietary options. For more insights, check out this comprehensive study exploring the tempeh market.

Henry's Tempeh

Henry's Tempeh, a pioneering brand in the tempeh industry, has been a leader in producing high-quality, fermented, and protein-rich tempeh since its inception on Salt Spring Island. The company, now based in Waterloo, Ontario, has been operational since 2002 and is known for its minimally processed and sustainable production methods. Henry's Tempeh caters to a wide audience, including health-conscious and vegan consumers, and its products are sold across Canada, from Winnipeg to Quebec. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has contributed significantly to the growing demand for tempeh, particularly in North America, where the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2032. Henry's Tempeh is recognized for its versatile products, including basil tempeh and other varieties that are increasingly featured in mainstream supermarkets and restaurants.