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If you’ve been poking around grocery aisles or scrolling specialty food sites, you’ve probably noticed that seitan, tofu, and other soy-based vegetarian products are everywhere. They’re versatile, satisfying, and increasingly mainstream — perfect for anyone from curious omnivores to committed plant-based eaters. This guide walks you through where to buy the best seitan and tofu in the US, how to pick quality items, and simple ways to turn them into crave-worthy meals.
Both seitan and tofu have earned a loyal following because they’re protein-rich, adaptable, and relatively affordable. Tofu, made from soy milk, comes in textures from silken to extra-firm and soaks up flavors like a sponge. Seitan, made from wheat gluten, offers a chewy, meaty texture that stands in for brisket or chicken in a lot of recipes. Think of tofu as a culinary blank canvas and seitan as the sculptor’s clay — both let you shape flavor and texture to fit the dish.
If convenience is key, national grocery chains stock an impressive range of seitan, tofu, and soy products — often at accessible prices. Here are the big players to know.
Whole Foods is a go-to if you want boutique and organic options. You’ll find house-brand tofu, imported Japanese silken tofu, and specialty seitan preparations from brands that craft artisanal flavor profiles. They often carry products like tempeh, soy-based sausages, and refrigerated marinated seitan that are ideal for ready-to-eat or quick-cook meals.
Trader Joe’s keeps a smaller, well-curated selection that changes seasonally. Expect affordable extra-firm tofu, frozen plant-based meat alternatives, and their own spin on marinated tofu or meatless options. If you like a tight selection that punches above its weight, this is a fun spot to explore.
Walmart makes plant-based proteins accessible in both grocery aisles and online. Big-name brands and store-brand tofu show up in multiple formats. If you’re buying in bulk or want to score the lowest price per ounce, Walmart’s network of stores and online options can be very convenient.
Target has expanded its vegetarian range to include shelf-stable tofu alternatives, refrigerated firm tofu, and several frozen meatless products that include seitan or wheat-gluten items. It’s a solid stop if you want mainstream brands without the specialty-store price tag.
Sprouts emphasizes fresh foods and natural products, so their tofu and seitan shelves often include organic and minimally processed choices. They’re also a great place to find bulk soy products, miso, and flavor-friendly condiments that pair well with tofu-based dishes.
Depending on where you live, regional chains and specialty supermarkets might surprise you with unique selections that national chains don’t carry.
Kroger and its family of stores (like Ralphs and King Soopers) usually handle a wide variety of vegetarian products at varying price points. Watch for loyalty-program discounts and store-brand tofu that matches national brands in quality while costing less.
Wegmans is known for stocking newer plant-based launches before other stores. If you’re hunting for the latest seitan product or an internationally inspired tofu variety, Wegmans often has the edge in selection and freshness.
Don’t overlook food co-ops and farmers markets. Local producers often make fresh tofu, tempeh, and small-batch seitan that you won’t see in big-box stores. These items are great if you want a homemade taste or want to support small producers.
Shopping online opens up a world of brands and bulk options that many local stores can’t match. If you like variety or need specialty items, these online retailers deserve a look.
Amazon lists everything from everyday tofu packages to refrigerated seitan from specialty brands. If you need larger quantities or rare imports, Amazon’s marketplace often carries what local shelves lack. Prime members also get fast shipping on many refrigerated and shelf-stable items.
Thrive Market specializes in organic and natural products. With a membership, you can find premium soy products, shelf-stable tofu alternatives, and bulk seitan options at lower-than-retail prices. It’s a good pick if you buy plant-based staples regularly.
Specialized stores like VeganEssentials focus on vegan and vegetarian needs, offering niche seitan brands, dairy-free tofu spreads, and vegan cooking staples. These shops are ideal for recipe experimentation and hard-to-find imports.
Labels can tell you a lot. When you’re scanning the tofu or seitan aisle, check for ingredients you recognize, the protein content, and any notes about preservatives or additives.
Look at firmness (silken, soft, firm, extra-firm) and the ingredient list — ideally soybeans, water, and a coagulant like calcium sulfate or magnesium chloride. If you prefer organic soy, pick products that list certified organic soybeans.
Seitan should list wheat gluten as a main ingredient. Watch for added flavorings, high sodium, or artificial additives. Many brands sell plain seitan meant for marinating, which is great if you love to customize seasonings at home.
The right product depends on the recipe. Need something that shreds? Go for extra-firm tofu or a hearty seitan roast. Want silky desserts? Silken tofu wins. Want to grill? Press your tofu to remove excess moisture and use a firm seitan that holds up on the grates.
For stir-fries and baked dishes, extra-firm tofu and sliced seitan work best. For creamy dressings or smoothies, silken tofu blends into a dreamy, smooth texture. When you need chew and bite — think sandwiches or kebabs — choose seitan or high-protein, dense tofu.
Seitan and tofu thrive with bold seasoning. Marinades, spice rubs, and brining can transform neutral proteins into a centerpiece dish. Want crispy tofu? Press it, toss in cornstarch, and pan-fry in a hot skillet with a little oil. Seitan benefits from glazing or slow braising to take on robust sauces.
Combine soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic, smoked paprika, and a splash of vinegar for an all-purpose marinade that works on both seitan and tofu. Marinate for at least 30 minutes — longer for thicker pieces — then grill, bake, or pan-sear for rich flavor.
Plant-based proteins can be wallet-friendly if you know where to look. Buying store-brand tofu, watching for sales at regional chains, or purchasing bulk seitan online can stretch your grocery dollar. Frozen options often cost less per serving and keep well for weeks.
Tofu typically lasts about a week in the fridge once opened, while sealed vacuum packs or frozen items can hang tight longer. Seitan in the refrigerator can last one to two weeks depending on preservatives, and many brands freeze well for future meals. Always check the package for storage guidance and freeze extras if you won’t use them right away.
Many shoppers choose seitan and tofu for environmental reasons: plant-based proteins generally have a smaller carbon footprint than animal proteins. However, consider sourcing: organic soy and sustainably produced tofu reduce concerns around agricultural impacts. If gluten is a dietary issue, avoid seitan and opt for tofu or tempeh instead.
Tofu provides protein, calcium (if set with calcium sulfate), and low saturated fat, while seitan is high in protein but lower in certain amino acids and not suitable for gluten-free diets. Pair either with whole grains, legumes, or vegetables to round out meals nutritionally.
Start simple: buy a couple of formats (one seitan and one tofu style) and experiment with marinades and cooking methods. Join loyalty programs at stores like Kroger or Wegmans to score discounts, and check online retailers for hard-to-find varieties. Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures — the fun is in the experimentation.
Seitan and tofu are versatile, budget-friendly, and increasingly easy to find across the US, from big-box retailers to specialty online shops. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or building a pantry of plant-based staples, knowing where to shop and how to select quality products makes all the difference. Try a few different stores, play with marinades and textures, and you’ll soon have go-to meals that impress both vegans and meat-eaters alike.
