Toby’’s Tofu Dip & Spreads

Toby’s Tofu Spread & Dip is available in 2 flavors, but 4 varieties. There is an original flavor that is just a basic spread and there is a mild jalapeno flavor, which has a little kick to it. The Original and Jalapeno are both made with an egg-based mayonnaise, but luckily for vegans there are also Lite versions of the two flavors that are eggless!

Original – On the surface, the regular version of Toby’s Pâté appears almost identical in nature to the others.  It has a very creamy, but slightly chunky consistency.  The flavor is a delicious all-purpose blend that is spiked with just a touch of cheesiness.  It too is made with non-GMO tofu, celery, onions, and an impressive mix of herbs and spices. All-natural mayonnaises (with expeller-pressed canola oil) that meet with the high standards of Toby’s.

I was unable to pinpoint a specific difference in the flavor, yet somehow I am most drawn to the regular version.  Though I am not certain of the reason for using different mayonnaises, I do hope they opt to keep the original recipe on the regular variety.

As usual, my preferred medium for Toby’s Pâté is slathered atop freshly baked bagel halves.  More recently I have been branching out into using this dip as a rice enhancer and as an ingredient substitute in recipes that traditionally call for sour cream or ricotta.  Though I have yet to trial it, this particular flavor struck me as the perfect ingredient shortcut for potato salad.

Recommended For:

• Stand-Alone Bread Spread
• Veggie Dip
• Creamy Cravings
• Mediterranean Recipes (in place of sour cream or ricotta)
• Potato Salad Shortcut

Jalapeno Lite – It was delicious in traditional Toby style.  The base was very similar to the other flavors, slightly chunky, yet creamy, rich, and a touch cheesy.  Don’t let the name fool you; though mild by jalapeno standards, it still has a spicy kick.  This jalapeno version was a fantastic solo topping on bagels and as a sandwich spread.

I wasn’t sure at first where this pate would fit in beyond dipping and spreading, but then a quick dinner idea came to mind.  We had sacrificed our favorite chicken enchilada recipe many years ago, as it was prepared with what seemed to be irreplaceable cheese and sour cream.  It occurred to me that Toby’s could be just what I was looking for.  That night, I combined a few helpings of the Jalapeno Pate with some chicken, sliced mushrooms, and chopped olives.  I wrapped the mix up in flour tortillas, smothered it in our favorite green enchilada sauce, and baked it at 400º for 20 minutes.  It was delicious!  My husband is far from a tofu fan, but he quickly proclaimed, “This is great!”  It was boldly spicy from the jalapenos, while the overall texture and flavor of the pate was the perfect replacement for my former sour cream / cheese combo.

Pros:  All-natural; Made with organic non-GMO soy beans; Full of healthy spices; Low in fat, calories, and sugars; Vegan; Cholesterol free; Kosher pareve
Cons: Some anti-tofu individuals may be hesitant

Recommended For:

• A Party Dip
• Spreading on Sandwiches or Bagels
• A Creamy Dairy Replacement (and shortcut) in Cooking

Mild Jalapeno – Apparently Nevadans have yet to discover the wonders of Toby’s Tofu Pâté.  Though I was easily able to find it in California, the Whole Foods in Las Vegas had not a tub on the shelves.  Luckily, when I asked the manager of the “dairy” section he said he had four packages in back.  It seems a woman had special ordered an entire shipment of Toby’s Jalapeno Pate for a holiday party.  She proclaimed it was their absolute best flavor.  As luck would have it, there were a few extras from her order, so I promptly grabbed one and made my way to check out.

It was delicious in traditional Toby style.  The base was very similar to the other flavors, slightly chunky, yet creamy, rich, and a touch cheesy.  Don’t let the name fool you; though mild by jalapeno standards, it still has a spicy kick.  Was it my favorite flavor?  It is hard to say.  They are each similar, but with unique additions.  Since I typically pick bold before spicy, I may lean toward the Roasted Red Pepper, but the jalapeno version was still a fantastic solo topping on bagels and as a sandwich spread.

I wasn’t sure at first where this pate would fit in beyond dipping and spreading, but then a quick dinner idea came to mind.  We had sacrificed our favorite chicken enchilada recipe many years ago, as it was prepared with what seemed to be irreplaceable cheese and sour cream.  It occurred to me that Toby’s could be just what I was looking for.  That night, I combined a few helpings of the Jalapeno Pate with some chicken, sliced mushrooms, and chopped olives.  I wrapped the mix up in flour tortillas, smothered it in our favorite green enchilada sauce, and baked it at 400º for 20 minutes.  It was delicious!  My husband is far from a tofu fan, but he quickly proclaimed, “This is great!”  It was boldly spicy from the jalapenos, while the overall texture and flavor of the pate was the perfect replacement for my former sour cream / cheese combo.

Pros:  All-natural; Made with organic non-GMO soy beans; Full of healthy spices; Low in fat, calories, and sugars; Vegan; Cholesterol free; Kosher pareve
Cons: Some anti-tofu individuals may be hesitant

Recommended For:

• A Party Dip
• Spreading on Sandwiches or Bagels
• A Creamy Dairy Replacement (and shortcut) in Cooking

The Facts on Toby’s Tofu Spread & Dip

Certifications: Toby’s Tofu Spread & Dips are Certified Kosher.

Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Toby’s Tofu Spread & Dips are dairy-free / non-dairy, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, vegetarian – Lite varieties are egg-free and vegan. Nonetheless, always read the ingredient statement and check with the company on their manufacturing processes for all varieties if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. Processes and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company / product.

For More Product Information: Visit the Toby’s website at tobysfamilyfoods.com.