FAQ’s
Q. What should I do if my product is past the "Best Used" date?
A. Manufacturers mark packages with a Best Before or Use By date to ensure product satisfaction and safety. This is your guide to getting a fresh product. If you see that your product has gone beyond that date, you should not use it, and just throw it away.
Q. Where can I find nutritional information for Nasoya products?
A. The nutritional and ingredient information for our products are listed on the our products page. If you still have questions, contact our consumer relations department.
Q. Where can I find Nasoya products?
A. Nasoya products are available through the United States. View our where to buy page for stores in your region. Product selection varies by store so be sure to contact your local retailer to verify if they have a particular item you are looking for. If you still have questions, contact our consumer relations department.
Q. Where do Nasoya soybeans come from?
A. We try to purchase organic soybeans from North Amercia, but due to market constraints we sometimes buy them from other places. We strive to use soybeans produced in a sustainable socially responsible and ethical manner. All our organic beans are certified organic by accredited certifying agencies.
Q. What does it mean when I see the words All Natural on your products?
A. We do not use or support products that are treated with pesticides and we do not use products that are genetically engineered. Nasoya products are made using all natural ingredients that are found in nature, nothing synthetic.
Q. What does it mean to be Organic?
A. Foods that qualify to be certified organic by the USDA contain certain levels of key ingredients and must meet specific regulations on how agriculture products are grown and handled.
Q. Does Nasoya use non-GMO soybeans and other non-GMO ingredients in their products?
A. Yes. We only source non-gmo ingredients including our soybeans.
Q. What is tofu?
A. Tofu is made from the mighty soybean! Making tofu starts with grinding soybeans with water and heating them up. The soymilk is separated from the solids. The hot soymilk is stirred and a natural firming agent known as a coagulant is added. Curds form and when ready they are poured into a forming box and the liquid (whey) is pressed out. The pressing action forms the curd into a tofu block.
Q. What does tofu taste like?
A. Like everything else, it tastes like chicken. OK, that's an analogy. Tofu acts like a sponge and will absorb the flavor of the ingredients in your recipe. It really has no flavor at all, which makes it a great meat or egg substitute (without all the fat, calories and cholesterol!). You can use tofu in a stir-fry, as a ricotta cheese filling, in a smoothie, or create a healthy dessert. Be sure to check out our easy recipe section for ideas.
Q. How do you prepare tofu?
A. There are many different ways to prepare Tofu. You can bake it, stir-fry, grill it, blend it, slow-cook it; the ways to prepare tofu are endless. Take any recipe you have (chicken, beef, pork, fish, dairy) and swap it with tofu. You'll hardly tell the difference. Stop by our What to Do with Tofu section and find out more.
Q. Can tofu be eaten raw?
A. Absolutely! However tofu is best when it is combined and cooked with other ingredients. Check out our What to Do with Tofu section to find out easy ways to tofu!
Q. How should I store tofu?
A. Our tofu must be refrigerated until you are ready to use it. Since our tofu is packed in water it must remain in water so that it keeps it fresh and doesn't dry out before it is used. Once opened, it must be stored in fresh water and refrigerated. For best results, place your tofu in an air tight container and change the water daily.
Q. How can you tell if tofu has spoiled?
A. Tofu has gone bad when you notice an unpleasant odor or taste. Sometimes, you might even see a gelatinous or discoloration to the product. In either case, check the Use By or Best Before Date – if the date has passed, your tofu is no longer good and you should discard it. If the tofu is still within the Use By Date and you feel the product has spoiled, please contact our Consumer Relations Department by phone or e-mail.
Q. Can you freeze tofu?
A. Yes, you can freeze tofu in its original, unopened container for up to two months. You can also press the water out and place the tofu in an air tight container prior to freezing it. In fact, if you're making a tofu chili, we recommend it - as it becomes it becomes more dense and ‘meat like’ allowing you to "crumble" it. We recommend thawing the tofu in the refrigerator overnight or one day in advance.
Q. Is tofu dairy and gluten free?
A. Yes.
Q. Is tofu cholesterol free?
A. Yes.
Q. What are the health benefits of Nasoya Sprouted tofu plus?
A. Nasoya Sprouted tofu plus is made with sprouted soybeans, aids in the absorption of nutrients, is easy to digest, a good source of vitamin K, and is an excellent source of protein & calcium. Sprouted soybeans are allowed to germinate and are easy to digest. Vitamin D is added to aid in the absorption of calcium which is critical for bone health. Vitamin K is also a necessary component of bone health. Recent research indicates that vitamin k has a protective effect on bone mineral density and fracture risk (Pearson 2007). Source: Pearson DA., Bone Health and Osteoporosis: The Role of Vitamin K and potential Antagonism by Anticoagulants. Nutr Clin Pract 2007: 22:517-44
Noodles and Wraps
Q. How do you cook noodles and wraps?
A. Each package of Nasoya noodles and wraps have the cooking instructions (and 3 handy recipes) printed on the back of the card. Noodles should be cook for 2 minutes in gently boiling water. Don't overcook or they will get sticky. Our wraps can be baked,, boiled, steamed or fried. Cooking time and temperatures will vary, depending on how they are being prepared. For best results, follow the directions for the recipe you are using.
Tip: While preparing a dish, cover unused wraps with a warm, moist paper towel in between batches to keep from drying out.
Q. How do I properly store noodles and wraps?
A. Air is the enemy of freshness. It's best to keep extra noodles or wraps in an airtight container or bag. You can also freeze unused noodles/wraps by putting them in an airtight freezer proof bag or container and putting them in the freezer for a couple of months. Just remember - defrost the wraps/noodles in the refrigerator over night or they will stick together.
Q. How long will noodles and wraps last after opening?
A. You want to use noodles or wraps within 7 days of opening the package. Always use the noodles or wraps by the Best Used Date. You can also freeze any unused wraps/noodles in an air tight container for up to two months.
Q. Can I use noodles and wraps after "Use by" date?
A. Our noodles and wraps are natural products which do not contain preservatives or additives so even though they may not show signs of spoilage, we do not recommend using the noodles or wraps after the Best Used By date.
Q. Why are the noodles and wraps sold refrigerated?
A. Our pasta products are fresh, not dried like many shelf-stable (traditional) varieties. Our products contain no additives or preservatives and cook faster than most dried pasta products.
Pasta Zero Shirataki Noodles
Q. What is Shirataki Noodles?
A. A traditional Japanese noodle made from the Konjac plant root. Shirataki noodels have little flavor but absorbs the delicious flavors you cook with. They can be used just like regular pasta but will save you a boat load in calories and carbs!
Q. Why do Pasta Zero Shirataki Noodles have an odd smell?
A. Actually, all shirataki noodles have a slight fishy smell thanks to the Konjac plant root, which is used to make the noodles. It's completely safe and is a natural smell which will decrease as the noodles are rinsed and cooked.
Q. Is Pasta Zero Shirataki Noodles Gluten Free and Vegan?
A. Yes
Q. How do I cook with Pasta Zero Shirataki Noodles?
A. Be sure to drain and rinse the noodles under warm water for a couple minutes before using them. Click here for shirataki tips.
Q. How do I store uncooked portions of Pasta Zero Shirataki Noodles?
A. For best results, place uncooked noodles in an air tight container with water and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Q. Can I freeze Pasta Zero Shirataki Noodles?
A. No.
Nayonaise
Q. Does Nayonaise have to be refrigerated prior to opening?
A. No. Our Nayonaise products are meant to be used right off the shelf. However, they do require refrigeration once they have been opened.
Q. Does Nayonaise have to be refrigerated after opening?
A. Yes. Though they can stay in your pantry (see the Best Used By date), Nayoniase must be refrigerated once the jar has been opened.
Q. How long will Nayonaise last after opening?
A. It's best to use Nayonaise within 4-6 weeks of opening it or until the Best Used By date, which ever comes first.
Soy
Q. What is soy?
A. Soy, or soybeans, is a type of legume and is a high quality, complete protein containing all the essential amino acids our bodies need.
Q. What Nasoya products contain soy?
A. Nasoya tofu, Silken Style Creations and Nayoniase all contain soy. Our noodles and pasta wraps do not contain soy.
Q. Are soybeans gluten-free?
A. Yes.
Q. Are soybeans lactose free?
A. Yes.
*The information below is to be used as a guide only. For any specific dietary questions, please consult your physician.
Q. Why is soy a healthy food?
A. It’s a terrific source of complete protein. It’s low in fat, cholesterol-free, and provides bone-healthy minerals, like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. And soy is naturally low in calories, so it fits perfectly into your body-conscious, healthy lifestyle.
Q. What are the benefits of soy?
A. When it comes to good nutrition, versatility, and plain old deliciousness, nothing beats soy. Soy offers a wealth of health. View the soy health page of our website for more information.
Q. Are soy foods good for your heart?
A. There’s no doubt about it. Soy is a heart helper. Soy even scored a coveted health claim approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999. Just 25 grams of soy protein per day is recognized as beneficial to heart health. Plus, with no cholesterol and no saturated fat, soy is a no-brainer when it comes to protecting your ticker. Soy also contains Isoflavones which are recognized for their heart-health and cholesterol lowering benefits.
Q. Can soy foods prevent osteoporosis?
A. Researchers studying the traditional diets of Japan and China first noticed the soy-bone health connection. Despite eating relatively little calcium, people in these “soy-eating” countries have very healthy bones. In fact, they rarely suffer from osteoporosis – excessive thinning of the bones that affects many women, and some men, in the US. Soy is the best source of plant nutrients called isoflavones. Along with protein and other vitamins and minerals, isoflavones seem to prevent bone loss as we age.
Q. Are soy foods ok to eat if I am diabetic?
Soy is a naturally healthy choice for people with diabetes. Soy offers complete protein, but without the saturated fat and cholesterol that many people with diabetes want to avoid. The carbohydrates in soy are complex, meaning they break down slowly in the body, limiting their impact on blood sugar.
And many soy foods provide selenium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, minerals the body needs to properly regulate blood sugar and insulin.
Q. Are soy foods good for men too?
A. Much of the attention about soy has focused on women’s health. That’s too bad, because men can score big health points with soy as well. Soy is well recognized as an important part of a prostate-friendly diet. Dozens of studies point to soy as protective against prostate cancer.
Don’t forget the ticker. Heart health is important to men and women equally. Soy is high in protein, contains no saturated fat or cholesterol, and provides heart healthy nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and isoflavones. Isoflavones are recognized for their heart-health and cholesterol lowering benefits.
Q. Can children enjoy soy foods?
A. Soy can be a great addition to your kids’ diet. Tofu can be worked into most recipes that your kids love, from macaroni and cheese to lasagna, fruit smoothies, pudding, baked goods and more. Just recently the US Food and Drug Administration accepted tofu into their WIC program (Women-Infants-Children) as a protein rich alternative to other foods.
Q. Is Pasta Zero Shirataki Noodles made with non-GMO ingredients?
A. Yes, all Nasoya products are made using non-GMO ingredients.
