The Hidden Cost Savings of Extra Firm Tofu

By Jason Ventresca

2025-05-20 Cooking, Food Hacks, Budgeting

That's right! If you like to cook or bake with tofu a lot, have you noticed that silken, firm and extra firm tofu often cost the same amount per package?

Fun fact: the difference between firmness levels is basically: more tofu, less water. So, when you buy silken tofu, you're paying for... water.

Granted, silken tofu has its purpose. But, suppose you're making a tofu cheese cake, or a chocolate tofu pudding. Just throw extra firm tofu in a high-powered blender with some extra water, and you'll save 50% on the cost of tofu.

In practice, and based on the nutrition facts label, I've found that:

  • one standard 16 oz package of silken tofu
  • equals
  • half of a standard 16 oz package of extra firm tofu
  • plus
  • 6 - 8 fl oz water

Happy tofu'ing! 👨‍🍳