Tempeh
Tempeh is a legume at 192 calories per 100g. It is an excellent source of Copper and Manganese, providing 62% and 56% of the Daily Value respectively. This legume is high in protein. Legumes are among the most nutrient-dense plant foods, providing protein, fiber, folate, iron, and potassium. They are a staple protein source in many traditional diets worldwide. Our database tracks 64 nutrients for this food, plus insulin index, polyphenol profile, environmental footprint data.
Top Nutrients
Data for 64 of 150 tracked nutrients
Nutrient Fingerprint
How this food scores across key nutrient categories, as a percentage of the daily recommended value per 100 g. Based on USDA DRIs for adults.
Complete Nutrient Profile
Macronutrients 7
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water SR | 59.6 | g | — | 2% |
| Calories SR | 192 | kcal | — | — |
| Energy (kJ) SR | 803 | kj | — | — |
| Protein SR | 20.3 | g | — | 36% |
| Total Fat SR | 10.8 | g | — | — |
| Carbohydrate SR | 7.6 | g | — | 6% |
| Ash SR | 1.6 | g | — | — |
Minerals 10
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium SR | 111 | mg | — | 11% |
| Iron SR | 2.7 | mg | — | 34% |
| Magnesium SR | 81.0 | mg | — | 20% |
| Phosphorus SR | 266 | mg | — | 38% |
| Potassium SR | 412 | mg | — | 12% |
| Sodium SR | 9.0 | mg | — | 1% |
| Zinc SR | 1.1 | mg | — | 10% |
| Copper SR | 0.56 | mg | — | 62% |
| Manganese SR | 1.3 | mg | — | 56% |
| Selenium SR | 0 | µg | — | — |
Vitamins 16
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (RAE) SR | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Vitamin A (IU) SR | 0 | IU | — | — |
| Retinol SR | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Vitamin C SR | 0 | mg | — | — |
| Vitamin D SR | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Vitamin D (IU) SR | 0 | IU | — | — |
| Thiamin (B1) SR | 0.08 | mg | — | 6% |
| Riboflavin (B2) SR | 0.36 | mg | — | 28% |
| Niacin (B3) SR | 2.6 | mg | — | 16% |
| Pantothenic Acid (B5) SR | 0.28 | mg | — | 6% |
| Vitamin B6 SR | 0.21 | mg | — | 16% |
| Folate SR | 24.0 | µg | — | 6% |
| Folic Acid SR | 0 | µg | — | — |
| Folate (food) SR | 24.0 | µg | — | — |
| Folate (DFE) SR | 24.0 | µg | — | — |
| Vitamin B12 SR | 0.08 | µg | — | 3% |
Fatty Acids 5
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturated Fat SR | 2.5 | g | — | — |
| Monounsaturated Fat SR | 3.2 | g | — | — |
| Polyunsaturated Fat SR | 4.3 | g | — | — |
| Trans Fat SR | 0 | g | — | — |
| Cholesterol SR | 0 | mg | — | — |
Individual Fatty Acids 8
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caprylic Acid (8:0) SR | 0 | g | — | — |
| Capric Acid (10:0) SR | 0 | g | — | — |
| Lauric Acid (12:0) SR | 0 | g | — | — |
| Myristic Acid (14:0) SR | 0.02 | g | — | — |
| Palmitic Acid (16:0) SR | 1.7 | g | — | — |
| Stearic Acid (18:0) SR | 0.68 | g | — | — |
| Linoleic Acid (18:2) SR | 4.1 | g | — | 24% |
| Linolenic Acid (18:3) SR | 0.25 | g | — | — |
Amino Acids 18
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Unit | Per Serving | % DV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tryptophan SR | 0.19 | g | — | — |
| Threonine SR | 0.80 | g | — | — |
| Isoleucine SR | 0.88 | g | — | — |
| Leucine SR | 1.4 | g | — | — |
| Lysine SR | 0.91 | g | — | — |
| Methionine SR | 0.17 | g | — | — |
| Cystine SR | 0.19 | g | — | — |
| Phenylalanine SR | 0.89 | g | — | — |
| Tyrosine SR | 0.66 | g | — | — |
| Valine SR | 0.92 | g | — | — |
| Arginine SR | 1.3 | g | — | — |
| Histidine SR | 0.47 | g | — | — |
| Alanine SR | 0.96 | g | — | — |
| Aspartic Acid SR | 2.0 | g | — | — |
| Glutamic Acid SR | 3.3 | g | — | — |
| Glycine SR | 0.75 | g | — | — |
| Proline SR | 1.0 | g | — | — |
| Serine SR | 1.0 | g | — | — |
Nutrient Density Score
The NRF9.3 score measures overall nutritional quality per 100 kcal. It rewards 9 nutrients to encourage (protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium) and penalizes 3 to limit (saturated fat, added sugars, sodium). Higher is better; negative scores indicate the food is high in limit nutrients relative to its beneficial content.
NRF9.3 index: Fulgoni et al. (2009), J Nutr 139(8). DVs based on FDA 2020 reference values.
Nutrient Interactions in This Food
Nutrients in this food that enhance or compete with each other during absorption.
✔ Synergies — nutrients that help each other
Vitamin B6 may enhance intracellular magnesium accumulation. Combined supplementation has shown greater benefits for stress and anxiety than magnesium alone.
Pouteau et al., PLoS One, 2018
Moderate protein intake enhances calcium absorption and supports bone health. The acid-ash hypothesis suggesting protein harms bones has been largely disproven.
Kerstetter et al., J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2005
Vitamin B6 is a cofactor in folate-dependent one-carbon metabolism. Together with B12, these three nutrients regulate homocysteine levels.
Selhub, J Nutr Health Aging, 2002
⚠ Antagonisms — nutrients that compete
Calcium inhibits both heme and non-heme iron absorption when consumed in the same meal. The effect is dose-dependent, with significant inhibition at 300+ mg calcium.
Hallberg et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1991
High zinc intake induces metallothionein in enterocytes, which traps copper and blocks its absorption. Prolonged high-dose zinc can cause copper deficiency.
Prasad et al., JAMA, 1978; Fosmire, Am J Clin Nutr, 1990
Zinc and non-heme iron compete for the same intestinal transporter (DMT1). High doses of one can reduce absorption of the other when taken simultaneously.
Rossander-Hulten et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1991
Very high calcium intake can reduce magnesium absorption by competing for shared intestinal transport pathways. A calcium:magnesium ratio above 2.6:1 may impair magnesium status.
Rosanoff et al., Nutr Rev, 2012
High calcium intake may modestly reduce zinc absorption, though the effect is smaller than calcium's impact on iron. Phytate amplifies this interaction.
Wood & Zheng, Am J Clin Nutr, 1997
Amino Acid Profile
Essential amino acid composition compared to the WHO/FAO adult reference pattern. The Amino Acid Score indicates protein quality — 100 means all essential amino acid requirements are met.
Tip: The limiting amino acid is Met + Cys. Pair with grains, nuts, and seeds for a complete amino acid profile.
All Amino Acids (18)
| Amino Acid | g / 100g | mg / g protein |
|---|---|---|
| Tryptophan | 0.19 | 9.6 |
| Threonine | 0.80 | 39.2 |
| Isoleucine | 0.88 | 43.4 |
| Leucine | 1.4 | 70.5 |
| Lysine | 0.91 | 44.8 |
| Methionine | 0.17 | 8.6 |
| Cystine | 0.19 | 9.5 |
| Phenylalanine | 0.89 | 44.0 |
| Tyrosine | 0.66 | 32.7 |
| Valine | 0.92 | 45.3 |
| Arginine | 1.3 | 61.7 |
| Histidine | 0.47 | 23.0 |
| Alanine | 0.96 | 47.3 |
| Aspartic Acid | 2.0 | 98.3 |
| Glutamic Acid | 3.3 | 162.2 |
| Glycine | 0.75 | 37.2 |
| Proline | 1.0 | 50.8 |
| Serine | 1.0 | 50.2 |
Fatty Acid Profile
Breakdown of fat types per 100g. A healthy fat profile favours unsaturated fats (mono + poly) and a balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.
How Cooking Changes Nutrients
Estimated percentage of each nutrient retained after cooking, based on USDA retention factors for the “Legumes (45-75 min)” food category. Values of 100% mean no loss; lower values indicate nutrients lost to heat, water, or oxidation.
Source: USDA Table of Nutrient Retention Factors, Release 6 (2007). Retention values are category-level averages — actual retention depends on cooking time, temperature, and water volume.
Insulin Response
The Insulin Index (II) measures the actual insulin response to food on a scale where white bread = 100. Unlike the Glycemic Index (which only measures blood sugar), the II captures the full hormonal response — including the effect of protein and fat on insulin secretion. This is why high-protein foods like meat and dairy can have significant insulin scores despite having low or zero GI values.
Source: Holt et al. 1997; Bao et al. 2016; Bell 2014
Polyphenols & Bioactive Compounds
Polyphenols are plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties. Higher intake is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk and improved gut health.
Processing Impact on Polyphenols
How common cooking methods affect polyphenol content in legumes. Retention % is relative to the raw/unprocessed food.
Health Associations
Research-backed associations for the polyphenol classes found in this food. Evidence strength rated from systematic reviews and meta-analyses.
Polyphenol data matched from: “Tempeh” · ●●● high confidence
Source: Phenol-Explorer 3.6 (INRA, 2023) · Retention: Rothwell 2013, Palermo 2014 · Health: Del Bo' 2019, Grosso 2017
Environmental Impact
Environmental footprint per kilogram of food produced. Data represents the global average for the “Soybeans” category.
- Global averages: These figures are production-weighted averages from a meta-analysis of ~38,700 farms across 119 countries (Poore & Nemecek, 2018). Actual impact varies enormously by farming method, geography, and supply chain.
- System boundary: Cradle-to-retail only — does not include consumer transport, home cooking energy, or food waste.
- Soil carbon not included: This data does not account for soil carbon sequestration. Some argue that well-managed regenerative grazing partially offsets ruminant emissions; however, full lifecycle accounting — including methane, land-use change, and the opportunity cost of using land for grazing vs. reforestation — typically makes the net footprint of ruminant meat higher, not lower. This is especially relevant in temperate grassland regions like Ireland.
- Not gospel: This data is informational and illustrative. It is useful for understanding relative magnitudes, but should not be treated as precise measurements for any individual product or farm.
Source: Poore & Nemecek (2018), Science 360(6392). Meta-analysis of ~38,700 farms, 119 countries, 46 product categories.
Global Supply: Pulses
Top 10 countries by per capita supply of the “Pulses” food group (kcal/capita/day, 2023). This is food group–level data from FAO Food Balance Sheets, not specific to this individual food.
Global Supply Trend (1961–2023)
+2%Source: FAO Food Balance Sheets (2023). Supply = production + imports − exports − waste, converted to kcal/capita/day.
Related Foods in Legumes and Legume Products
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Tempeh?
Tempeh contains 192 kcal per 100 grams, making it a moderate-calorie food. The energy comes from 20.3g of protein (42% of calories), 10.8g of fat (51%), and 7.6g of carbohydrates (16%). Fat is the primary energy source.
What is Tempeh most nutritious for?
The standout nutrient in Tempeh is Copper, providing 0.56 mg per 100g (62% of the Daily Value). It is also a notable source of Manganese (56% DV). Our database tracks 64 individual nutrients for this food, allowing detailed comparison across vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.
Is Tempeh high in protein?
With 20.3g per 100 grams, Tempeh is a high-protein food. Protein accounts for 42% of its total calories, making it suitable for diets focused on protein intake.
How much fiber is in Tempeh?
Tempeh contains no dietary fiber. This is typical for this type of food. Pair with plant-based foods to ensure adequate fiber intake.
Does Tempeh contain polyphenols?
Yes, Tempeh contains approximately 148 mg of polyphenols per 100g, primarily from the high class. Polyphenols are bioactive plant compounds associated with antioxidant properties. Their retention can vary with cooking and processing methods — see the processing impact section above for details.
What is the insulin index of Tempeh?
Tempeh has a moderate insulin response (II: 45) (estimated from macronutrient composition) on the insulin index scale (white bread = 100). This is a typical insulin response for most mixed foods. Note that the insulin index can differ substantially from the glycemic index — dairy products and high-protein foods often have higher insulin responses than their GI would suggest.