Tootie’s Tempeh, a worker-owned cooperative based in Biddeford, Maine, has received two 2026 Good Food Awards for its Traditional and Curry Seasoned tempeh products.
The awards, now in their 16th year under the Specialty Food Association (SFA), recognize products selected through a blind tasting process from more than 1,200 entries. Tootie’s was among 242 products and 198 makers to receive recognition this year, chosen on the basis of taste, quality, and responsible production practices.
Plastic-free fermentation
Tootie’s Tempeh uses a proprietary fermentation process that eliminates plastic bags, which are standard in most commercial tempeh production, and says the approach has kept over 150,000 plastic bags out of landfills since launch. Its products, made from organic, locally sourced soybeans, are described as delivering a buttery and nutty flavor profile without the bitterness associated with many commercially available tempeh options
The company operates on a worker-owned cooperative model in which profits are shared among employee-owners, who also participate in business decision-making. In December 2025, the Maine Governor’s office recognized the business with its Award for Business Excellence in Innovation.
Tootie’s has expanded its retail footprint to include natural food stores and co-op grocers from Maine to New Jersey, and more recently Whole Foods locations across New England. The company also distributes through HelloFresh and Baldor Specialty Foods.
Summer Fancy Food Show
Winners will be honored at a ceremony on June 27 in New York City, ahead of the summer Good Food Mercantile. Tootie’s will also be exhibiting at the Summer Fancy Food Show, which opens the following day.
CEO and co-founder Sarah Speare said, “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.”
