Tootie's Tempeh

Tootie's Tempeh is a Maine-based, worker-owned cooperative specializing in the production of artisan tempeh made from certified organic soybeans sourced locally and regionally from organic farmers. Founded in 2019 by Sarah Speare, an award-winning food entrepreneur, and Barbara Fiore, a fermentation expert, the company officially launched its products in November 2022 following three years of research and development. The company is headquartered in the northeastern United States and distributes its products to consumers seeking high-quality, plant-based protein alternatives.

What sets Tootie's Tempeh apart from conventional commercial tempeh producers is its proprietary plastic-free fermentation process. Unlike the majority of commercial tempeh brands, which ferment soybeans in single-use plastic bags, Tootie's has developed an alternative production method that eliminates single-use plastics entirely from the fermentation stage. To date, the company has reportedly diverted over 100,000 plastic bags from landfills. This innovation directly contributes to a cleaner, more natural fermentation environment, which the company credits as a key reason for the superior flavor profile of its tempeh — described as soft, nutty, and notably non-bitter compared to competitors.

The company currently offers two SKUs: Traditional tempeh and Curry Seasoned tempeh, both available in 8-ounce cake formats. Both varieties are made from certified organic soybeans. The Curry Seasoned product features spices fermented directly into the beans overnight, resulting in a deep, integrated flavor profile. The versatile format of the cakes allows for slicing, cubing, crumbling, or using whole, making the product suitable for a wide range of culinary applications including sautéing, roasting, grilling, baking, steaming, and incorporation into sauces and composed dishes.

Tootie's Tempeh targets health-conscious consumers, vegans, flexitarians, and plant-forward food enthusiasts, as well as professional chefs. The brand has received acclaim from James Beard Award-winning chefs and plant-focused culinary professionals who have cited it as the finest tempeh they have encountered. The company also provides consumer education resources, including recipes and a free digital cookbook, to support adoption of tempeh as a mainstream protein source.

As a worker-owned cooperative, the company operates with a democratic business model and a stated mission to support local and regional organic agriculture, eliminate single-use plastics in food production, and offer a clean, minimally processed plant protein. The production team is food safety certified, and the company maintains rigorous standards for ingredient sourcing and manufacturing quality. The cooperative structure reflects a broader philosophy of equitable labor practices and community-rooted food production.