Press Release: Tootie’s Tempeh Awarded Two Good Food Awards

The following update was shared directly by Tootie's Tempeh, a PBFA member company. As part of our commitment to promoting the plant-based industry, we provide this platform for our members to share their latest news, milestones, product launches, and more.

Tootie’s Tempeh, a worker-owned tempeh maker, has been awarded two 2026 Good Food Awards for their Traditional and Curry Seasoned tempeh. Selected from more than 1,200 entries through a blind tasting, they were among 242 products and 198 makers awarded for their outstanding taste, quality, and responsible production. These values are at the core of Tootie’s, and their tempeh’s nutty and buttery flavor, non-bitter taste, and new fermentation process that eliminates plastic bags are all worth celebrating.

“We couldn’t have done this without our hardworking and compassionate worker-owner team, our customers, and our supporters. We can’t wait to celebrate this accomplishment on June 28th at the Summer Fancy Food Show, where we will be exhibiting and sharing our award-winning tempeh.” shared CEO and co-founder Sarah Speare.

The Good Food Awards were established in 2010 by the Good Food Foundation (now part of the Specialty Food Association) to celebrate responsible practices and superior taste - two product features that for too long had been recognized separately. They believe truly good food – the kind that brings people together and builds strong, healthy communities – embrace social and environmental responsibility, craftsmanship and flavor, all at once. Tootie’s Tempeh, based in Biddeford, Maine, is redefining tempeh – a high protein, high fiber, fermented food made of beans – by innovating the fermentation process to eliminate plastic bags and by delivering a smooth, nutty, buttery tempeh with no bitterness. They are the fastest-growing tempeh brand in the country, and in just three years, have saved over 150,000 plastic bags from landfills. Tootie’s further demonstrates innovation as a worker-owned cooperative, where profits are shared and employees own and shape the business. Their democratic, values-driven model prioritizes community, local farmers, and the wellbeing of people, animals, and the planet.

Contact Sarah Speare at sarah@tootiestempeh.com with any questions.

Learn more: https://goodfoodfdn.org/awards/