Faqs

Tofu is made by separating the curds from soy milk, much like cheese is made from dairy milk. At Chalmers Organics, we produce our own soy milk from whole organic soybeans, which are soaked, cooked, and stone-ground. Tofu was "invented" in China over 2,000 years ago. Put simply: tofu is a plant-based "cheese" made from soybeans.

The short answer is that certified organic food is simply food that is processed without the use of any chemicals of any kind, just like nature intended. Yes, it is certainly better for you to eat food that is not sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. Human beings as far as we know, are the only creatures on earth that spray their food with poisons to stop other creatures from eating it and then eat it themselves. This makes no sense.

Chemicals also do not break down like natural organic matter, they stay in the soil for hundreds of years. This is why organic makes sense to us. So much better for our bodies and also so much better for the planet.

Short answer: No — tofu is made from whole soybeans which do not impact hormones like refined ingredients. Most concerns relate to highly processed foods, not whole, traditionally prepared soy. At Chalmers Organics, we use certified organic whole soybeans, which are soaked, cooked, and stone-ground — just as they have been for generations.

We source our certified organic soybeans from carefully selected international growers. While we can't share specific supplier details for commercial reasons, we prioritise quality, traceability, and organic certification at every step. Long term, we'd love to see soybeans grown here in New Zealand — and we're actively exploring ways to make that happen.

Yes — tofu is a great option for young children. It's soft, easy to eat, and a good source of plant-based protein. Just keep it simple:
• Serve plain (no added salt or sauces)
• Cut into small, soft pieces
• Cook gently on a medium heat

Once opened, keep your tofu in the fridge, fully covered in fresh cold water in an airtight container. Change the water daily to keep it fresh.

If stored properly (in fresh water, changed daily), tofu will keep for up to 5 days in your fridge.

No. We're licensed as a production facility, not a retailer. Our products are available through selected supermarkets and retailers — that's the best place to find them.

Yes, you can — but it will change the texture. Freezing makes tofu firmer and more sponge-like. Once thawed, simply squeeze out the excess water. It's perfect for dishes like:
• Crumbled tofu "mince"
• Stir-fries
• Saucy dishes where it can absorb flavour

TONZU is our signature tofu brand, developed over many years. It reflects our approach:
• Made from stone-ground whole soybeans
• Inspired by traditional Japanese methods
• Crafted to suit both authentic and modern tastes

The name itself came from a simple idea — combining "TOFU" with "NZ" — a nod to both tradition and our New Zealand roots.

Yes, they are very similar. The big difference is that paneer is made from cow milk and tofu is made from soymilk, but they are both curded from the milk in the same way!

Yes, tofu is fine for your dog and other pets, but in moderation of course, like anything else.

Tofu is easy to cook in many ways. Please visit our recipe page for inspiration: chalmersorganics.co.nz/all-recipes/

Tofu contains about 12–13% protein so it is a very rich source for the whole family.

Yes — tofu is generally considered safe and healthy to eat during pregnancy for most people. It can actually be a very good source of:
• Protein
• Iron
• Calcium (if calcium-set)
• Magnesium
• Folate

Tofu is considered healthy because it is a nutrient-dense wholefood that gives you a lot of nutrition without a lot of saturated fat or heavy processing. Some of the main reasons people value tofu are:

• High-quality protein — tofu contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a "complete" protein source.
• Low in saturated fat — compared with many processed meats or fatty animal products, tofu is naturally low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol.
• Rich in minerals — depending on how it is made, tofu can be a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.