We’re starting to see a new ingredient replace the curdled cheese in some recent viral recipes.Alton Brown’s dairy-free chocolate pie,low-calorie mango puddingand morespins on your favorite dessertshave been gaining a lot of popularity for starring a specific nutritious, plant-based food.

Alison Miksch

a photo of the Vegan Cheesecake

This Dietitian-Approved Hack Makes My Smoothies Much More Satisfying

The soon-to-be-trending-everywhere ingredient in question? Silken tofu. Now before you click away, here’s why it’s so great and how you can start incorporating it into your dishes.

Silken tofuis a smooth variety of tofu with a higher water content than any other type, so it can be a hydrating and creamy addition to a recipe. Plus, it’s a healthy, satisfying choice.One half-cup of silken tofuhas 8 grams of protein and more calcium and vitamin B12 than the same size serving of2% cottage cheese. Silken tofu also has no carbohydrates and nearly 75% less sodium than cottage cheese, making it a light yet filling alternative with a more subtle taste.

And there’s no denying that the creamy texture of silken tofu beats the bumpy curds in cottage cheese. Its custard-like consistency helps elevate desserts, sauces and even smoothies.

When you buy your block of silken tofu to try it out, here are some ways you can incorporate it into each meal in your day:

Up next:Why You Should Start Freezing Tofu (Plus How to Do It)

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