Why source from Japan
Kyoto and Nikko yuba have 800+ year heritage; central to shojin ryori and Kyoto kaiseki; export-grade dried yuba for plant-protein retail.
Key spec
Protein ~25% wet (50%+ dry); fat 13-18%; isoflavone elevated; gluten-free.
Typical end-product
Premium kaiseki yuba, plant-based meat alternative, vegan fine-dining retail.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- Phase 1 onboarding in progress
- Typical MOQ
- 1–10 kg fresh; 5–25 kg dried; 1–10 kg specialty
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Kyoto, Tochigi (Nikko)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- Year-round (continuous production)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; soy allergen labelling
- Japanese name
- 湯葉
- Romaji
- 湯葉
About this ingredient
Tofu skin formed by skimming the protein-fat film off heated soy milk. Kyoto and Nikko (Tochigi) are the two heritage producers; Kyoto-style yuba is thinner and sweeter, Nikko-style is thicker and chewier. A central ingredient of shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine) and Kyoto kaiseki. High protein (~25% wet, 50%+ dry), low carbohydrate, and the 'plant-based meat' equivalent Japan has used for centuries. Distinct from existing tofu-okara entry.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; soy allergen labelling |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; soy-allergen labelling |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; soy-allergen labelling |
| China | GACC; soy-allergen labelling |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Yuba (Tofu Skin) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Phase 1 manufacturer onboarding is in progress. If you are actively sourcing this ingredient and would like to be introduced to candidate Japanese producers, send an inquiry and our team will return with options.
Disclaimer
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Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
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Last updated: 2026-05-05