Mori-Nu Corporate History

In 1985, Morinaga Nutritional Foods Inc. of Torrance, California began marketing aseptically packaged silken style tofu in the United States under the Mori-Nu brand name. Mori-Nu helped to develop the revolutionary new packaging process that seals in all the wholesome nutrition of tofu in an airtight, shelf-stable package. Thanks to the aseptic packaging, Mori-Nu Tofu remains free from the harmful effects of light, oxygen, and microorganisms without preservatives or irradiation. The package also conveniently requires no refrigeration until opened. This modern packaging system was voted "the #1 food science innovation of the last 50 years" by the prestigious Institute of Food Technologists because it increases nutrient retention and flavor while ensuring food safety.

Mori-Nu's original product line consisted of silken style tofu in soft, firm, and extra-firm varieties. The creamy-smooth texture and mild flavor of original Mori-Nu Silken Tofu make it ideal for everything from shakes and cream pies to sauces, soups, dips, and main dishes. Retailers and consumers alike appreciate the miraculous package that assures Mori-Nu Silken Tofu, unlike traditional water-pack tofu, is free from contamination and easy to store.

With the success of original Mori-Nu Silken Tofu, the company introduced low-fat Mori-Nu Silken Lite Tofu in 1993. With under a gram of fat to every six grams of protein, Mori-Nu Silken Lite has the lowest fat to protein ratio of any tofu.

As more and more research suggested soyfoods like tofu may help to reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and osteoporosis, Mori-Nu developed new, easy ways for Americans to incorporate soy in their diet. Introduced in 1996, Mori-Nu Mates Pudding Mixes are completely vegan and designed to be blended with Mori-Nu Silken Lite Tofu for rich, creamy desserts that are low fat, cholesterol free, and dairy free. Mori-Nu Mates are now available in Chocolate, Lemon Créme, and Vanilla flavors.

In 1997, Mori-Nu began shipment of its first domestically produced tofu products from a state-of-the-art facility in Tualatin, Oregon. At this time, Mori-Nu began offering 18 percent more tofu in a new 12.3 ounce package. Previously, Mori-Nu had been importing tofu from its parent company, Morinaga Milk Industry Company Ltd. of Japan in 10.5 ounce packages. Producing tofu domestically saves in shipping and import-related costs, giving Mori-Nu customers greater value than ever before.

Mori-Nu introduced its newest silken style tofu, Mori-Nu Organic Silken Tofu, in November 2000. Only soybeans certified organic by Oregon Tilth are used to make the tofu - available in Firm texture. In addition because Mori-Nu, like many Americans, is concerned about the genetic modification of foods, all varieties of Mori-Nu Tofu are now made exclusively with non-GMO soybeans.

Tofu, a custard-like food made from soybeans, is a complete protein containing all eight essential amino acids. Free from saturated fat and cholesterol, tofu is the primary source of protein for over a billion people every day. Traditionally, silken style tofu has a texture so delicate and smooth that it seems to have been strained through silk. Silken style tofu is not drained after forming, so the whey and soymilk remain together.

Pacific Nutritional Foods, Inc. (PNF), located in Tualatin, Oregon, was established in October 1995 as an aseptic tofu manufacturer and subsidiary of Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc. PNF currently sells aseptic tofu all over the U.S. under the Mori-Nu brand name.