Tempeh (tem-pay) is a whole-food plant protein made by naturally fermenting whole soybeans. The fermentation process binds the soybeans into a firm cake or block with a dense, meaty texture and a nutty, slightly earthy flavour. Tempeh originated in Indonesia and is one of the world's oldest fermented foods. Unlike tofu, tempeh uses the whole soybean and goes through fermentation — which is why the tempeh benefits include higher protein, more fibre, and gut-friendly prebiotics. A single pack of Better Nature tempeh contains 44g of protein, similar to a chicken breast. It is 100% natural, not ultra-processed, and fermented for gut health.

Plain tempeh has a slightly nutty taste and a firm texture. It takes on the flavours you cook it with so consider it as your blank canvas. It’s a vehicle for flavour! However, our Smoky Tempeh has a rich, smoky flavour as it is and our BBQ and Mediterranean Pieces are seasoned to perfection.

It’s simple really - tempeh is one of the most nutritious and sustainable foods on the planet, and we just don’t think this is celebrated enough. It’s all-natural, has a similar protein content to chicken AND it’s great for your gut. We don’t call it supercharged protein for nothing! Tasty tempeh is also quick and easy to cook, and super versatile. We think tempeh has the potential to help people all over the world live healthier and happier lives, without harming the planet in the process.

Yes. Tempeh is made through a natural fermentation process, which produces gut-friendly prebiotics — fibres that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This is one of the key tempeh benefits and one of the standout health benefits of tempeh over other plant proteins. It's also the key difference between tempeh gut health and tofu: tofu does not go through fermentation and does not have the same benefits. Better Nature tempeh is also high in dietary fibre, which supports digestive health alongside the prebiotic benefits. The tempeh gut health story is genuinely backed by the product — it is fermented for gut health, not a marketing claim.If you want more details about tempeh’s gut health benefits, drop us a line at hello@betternaturetempeh.co.

Cooking tempeh is easier than you think. Tempeh is best cooked before eating, though technically you can eat tempeh raw — see 'Can you eat tempeh raw?' below. Cooking unlocks its full flavour and texture. The easiest ways to cook tempeh: (1) Pan-fry: slice into strips or cubes and cook in a little oil over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes each side until golden. Perfect for a quick tempeh stir fry. (2) Tempeh air fryer method: place slices or pieces in an air fryer at 200°C for 10–12 minutes for a crispy finish — one of the fastest-growing ways people are cooking tempeh. (3) Marinate: soy sauce, garlic and olive oil for 10–30 minutes before cooking gives the deepest flavour. Tip: treat tempeh just like chicken — the same marinades and pans work brilliantly.

Yes — tempeh is one of the most nutritionally complete plant proteins available. The health benefits of tempeh are wide-ranging. Better Nature tempeh contains 44g of protein per pack (similar to a chicken breast), is high in fibre, and is rich in gut-friendly prebiotics from the fermentation process — so the answer to 'is tempeh good for gut health?' is also yes. It is made from 100% natural whole soybeans with no ultra-processed ingredients. Tempeh is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also a good source of iron, calcium and B vitamins. The biggest tempeh benefits come from the combination: unlike many plant-based proteins, tempeh is not ultra-processed — it is a fermented whole food.

Tempeh has a firm, dense texture and a nutty, slightly earthy flavour — sometimes described as mushroomy. Anyone asking 'what does tempeh taste like?' and comparing tempeh vs tofu will notice tempeh is more robust and flavoursome than tofu. The flavour is mild enough to take on marinades and seasonings brilliantly, but substantial enough to hold its own in a stir-fry, bolognese or wrap. Better Nature's pre-seasoned range — Smoky, Mediterranean and Peri Peri — takes care of the flavouring for you. If you are new to tempeh, the Smoky variant is the most popular starting point.

Yes. The tempeh vs chicken protein comparison is straightforward: a 200g pack of Better Nature Original Organic Tempeh contains 44g of protein — similar to a standard chicken breast. Tempeh is one of the only plant proteins that rivals chicken on a pack-for-pack basis, which is why it's consistently recommended when people search for alternatives to chicken, what can replace chicken, a healthy alternative to chicken, or a protein alternative to chicken. If you're cutting back on meat without losing protein, tempeh is the most direct chicken swap available. Give chicken the night off.

When people ask about the tempeh vs tofu difference, the answer starts with soy — both tempeh and tofu are made from it. That is where the similarity ends. Tofu is made from pressed soy milk — it has a soft, water-rich texture and a very mild flavour. Tempeh is made from whole soybeans that are naturally fermented — it is firmer, denser, more protein-rich, and packed with gut-friendly prebiotics from the fermentation process. In a tempeh vs tofu protein comparison, tempeh contains around 40% more protein per gram and has a much more substantial texture. The health benefits of tempeh go beyond protein — fermentation produces gut-friendly prebiotics that tofu does not have. For anyone looking to replace chicken in a meal, tempeh is the better choice: it holds marinades, crisps up well, and delivers the same protein hit.