Food · Fermented foods

Yuba (Tofu Skin / Soybean Skin)

湯葉 (Yuba)

Also known as: Yuba, Tofu skin, Soybean skin, Bean curd sheet, 湯葉, Nikko Yuba, Kyoto Yuba

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling name湯葉
Common Japanese notations湯葉, ゆば
OriginYuba — the protein-fat film that forms on heated soy milk; harvested by skimming; principal heritage production regions Kyoto (Kyoto Yuba) and Nikko (Nikko Yuba — Tochigi); ultra-premium kaiseki ingredient
Typical functionsPremium kaiseki signature — Kyoto and Nikko regional cuisine, Vegan/vegetarian premium protein, Premium gift retail (dried yuba sheets)
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. **Soybean is JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.** Kyoto and Nikko regional brands established.

Yuba (湯葉) is the protein-fat film from heated soy milk, ultra-premium kaiseki ingredient. Kyoto Yuba and Nikko Yuba (Tochigi) are heritage areas with deep cultural identity.

Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Functions

Regulatory tags

Used in (typical product categories)

Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.

  • Fresh nama-yuba retail (Kyoto, Nikko regional foodservice)
  • Dried yuba sheets retail (premium gift)

What it is

Soy milk surface film, fresh and dried.

Typical uses in Japanese products

Premium kaiseki Kyoto/Nikko signature.

Vegan/vegetarian premium.

Premium gift retail.

For OEM: dried yuba retail OEM, regional kaiseki ingredient supply.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Soybean allergen recommended.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche premium specialty in Japanese-cuisine channels.
USANiche specialty in Japanese and Chinese cuisine channels.
ChinaChina has its own fuzhu / tofu skin tradition.
KoreaNiche specialty positioning.

Example products

Example finished products will be added after verification of Kyoto or Nikko origin.

All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

Related ingredients

References

  1. Editorial — Japan Kyoto and Nikko yuba production reference

Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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