Here’s Why Nutritionists Love Tempeh (Plus How to Eat It) Karen Ansel, MS, RDN Replay Video For years, tempeh has lived in tofu's shadow. Not anymore. By 2026, global tempeh sales are projected to reach $5.8 billion, a 61 percent jump over 2018 estimates, according to the research firm Persistence Market Research. Why is tempeh's popularity suddenly on the rise? "Whether you're trying to eat more plant-based meals, eat a bit 'greener,' or reduce your meat intake, tempeh is a great plant-based protein alternative to tofu, beans, lentils, peas, and nuts," says Sharon Palmer, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Ojai, California, and author of