14 best soy sauces

Soy sauce is a staple in Asian cuisine and a versatile condiment that adds depth and umami to a variety of dishes. It's made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and fermenting agents. The process involves brewing and fermenting the mixture for several months to develop its rich flavor.

There are different types of soy sauce, each with distinct flavors and uses. The two main varieties are light soy sauce and dark soy sauce.Light soy sauce is saltier and lighter in color, often used during cooking or as a dipping sauce. Dark soy sauce is aged longer, giving it a thicker consistency and a more robust, slightly sweet flavor. It's commonly used for color and flavor in braised dishes and marinades.

Tamari is a type of soy sauce that's traditionally gluten-free, making it a suitable alternative for those with gluten sensitivities. It originated in Japan and has a milder taste compared to regular soy sauce.

In addition to the traditional varieties, there are also low-sodium soy sauces for those looking to reduce their salt intake. Some specialty soy sauces may include added ingredients like mushrooms or other flavor enhancers.

When using soy sauce, it's essential to balance its saltiness and umami with other ingredients in your dish. It's a key ingredient in many Asian recipes, including stir-fries, marinades, dipping sauces, and noodle dishes.

Pro tip: Store your soy sauce in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and quality.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best soy sauces on the market
  

Kikkoman Japan Made Soy Sauce, 33.8 Ounce

Kikkoman

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

33.8 oz All purpose seasoning. Brewed by Kikkoman. Product of Japan.

User questions & answers

Question: Is this considered a 'dark' soy sauce
Answer: It doesn't indicate a type on the label, but like other all purpose naturally brewed soy sauces, it is considered a dark soy sauce (koikuchi) according to Shizuo Tsuji, author of Japanese Cooking: A Simple Art, as reference on seriouseats.com.
Question: Is the the product femented
Answer: "Soy sauce (also called shoyu) is a condiment made from a fermented paste of boiled soybeans, roasted grain, brine, and Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus sojae molds. After fermentation, the paste is pressed, producing a liquid, which is the soy sauce, and a solid byproduct, which is often used as animal feed." I believe all soy sauce utilizes a fermentation process. If you have health issues that conflict, there is abundant resources about the entire creation process available online via google.
Question: What’s the difference between this and the regular kikkoman
Answer: Surprised that no one has mentioned that this has half the sodium (470 mg vs 920 mg per tbsp) of regular. Plus, I find it pretty close to regular (their "lite" I find a bit thinner in consistency and flavor)
Question: What do you use it for? will it be good for cooking friend rice
Answer: You should not cook your friends!

Kikkoman Soy Sauce (10 oz.) - Pack of 2

Kikkoman

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pack of 2 - 10 oz bottles of All Purpose Kikkoman Soy Sauce.



All-purpose Kikkoman Soy Sauce is traditionally brewed from water, wheat, soybeans and salt. Like fine wine, Kikkoman Soy Sauce is aged for several months to develop its characteristic rich, yet mellow flavor, appetizing aroma and distinctive reddish-brown color. Besides using it in traditional Asian dishes, try it in mainstream American foods, classic Mediterranean dishes or exotic Caribbean cuisine.

  • Kikkoman Soy Sauce
  • Pack of 2 - 10 oz bottles
  • Add tremendous flavors and aromas to your favorite meals
  • Great in traditional Asian dishes
  • Also delicious when used in mainstream American foods, classic Mediterranean dishes or exotic Caribbean cuisine

User questions & answers

Question: Is this product organic
Answer: No just regular
Question: What are the ingredients
Answer: Yes. Kikkoman Soy Sauce is a fermented product like beer and is made from wheat, soybeans, salt and water. ... The following Kikkoman products are certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union: Kikkoman Soy Sauce. Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce.
Question: Is this considered light soy sauce.. not low salt but light
Answer: Water
Question: is kikkoman soy sauce kosher
Answer: MSG is listed in the ingredients on Amazon's list for the 12-pack: see https://www.amazon.com/Knorr-Gravy-Roasted-Turkey-Pack/dp/B000FA9EP2

Kikkoman Soy Sauce, 64 fl oz

Kikkoman

Based on 576 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Kikkoman soy sauce

  • Kikkoman's signature soy sauce
  • All purpose seasoning
  • Naturally brewed. Certified Kosher.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the shelf life
Answer: It is a simple thing to check their website before giving knee-jerk false answers. The answer is YES per their website: "We don't use any artificial additives in our sauces and only use soybeans that are non-GMO. This gives you the assurance that every Kikkoman Soy Sauce is a completely natural condiment: GMO-free, safe and delicious."
Question: What is the expiration date
Answer: Kikkomen is made in Wisconsin.
Question: Is this non-gmo
Answer: Yes, certified organic by QAI and the USDA, Kikkoman Organic Soy Sauce is made with premium quality GMO-free whole organic soybeans, GMO-free wheat and salt. Thank you, BetterBize
Question: Where is it made
Answer: Kikkoman Soy Sauce is a fermented product like beer and is made from wheat, soybeans, salt and water. ... The following Kikkoman products are certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union: Kikkoman Soy Sauce. Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce.

Kikkoman Lite Soy Sauce, 64-Ounce Bottle

Kikkoman

Based on 496 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Use for basting, marinating, or as an ingredient in sauces, vegetables, stews, and soups Kikkoman's soy sauce with less sodium has 37% reduced sodium than Kikkoman regular soy sauce Over 300 years of excellence

  • Kikkoman Lite Soy Sauce
  • Kikkoman less sodium soy sauce
  • 64oz/2qt

User questions & answers

Question: Does it need regridgertion after opening
Answer: I have never put ours into the refrigerator. We store it in a cool spot in the kitchen. Keeps great. I have known for a long time this existed. Now I know where to buy this.
Question: is this kosher
Answer: Should be... soy bean, water, salt
Question: Any msg in this soy sauce
Answer: Honestly I am Unsure but you can call amazon customer service and they can answer that question on the msg.

Kikkoman Less Sodium Soy Sauce, 15.0 FL OZ - 2 bottles

Kikkoman

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question: How many mg.of sodium per serving
Answer: The stamped expiration is dated 12 Sept 2022. Also purchased a low sodium Kikkoman which was dated 09 Nov 2022. I’ll use both for Teriyaki sauces on various meats this spring and summer. Also for wonderful Sukiyaki sauce....my Japanese mother taught me!

Kishibori Shoyu - Premium Artisinal Japanese Soy Sauce, Unadulterated and without preservatives Barrel Aged 1 Year - 1 bottle - 24 fl oz

Kishibori Shoyu

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Kishibori Shoyu is an artisanal soy sauce made by Takesan Company, located on the small island of Shodoshima in the Seto Inland Sea, between the main Japanese island of Honshu and neighboring Shikoku. This soy sauce is made from high quality whole soybeans, wheat and sun dried sea salt. It is best enjoyed raw, but can also be used in cooking applications. Steamed soybeans, toasted wheat, salt, mineral water and koji are left to ferment in old cider barrels for one year. The barrels themselves are very well seasoned and have been in use for over 100 years. The mild winters in the region (the temperature does not go below 50F) encourage active fermentation throughout the year. This slow fermentation process results in the production of a very large number of complex organic acids. These components contribute to the umami and depth of flavors. Unlike mass-produced, main-stream soy sauce, this shoyu is not treated with additional alcohol or preservatives, and is not adulterated by any additives. The filtered product is only pasteurized and then bottled. Takesan Company was established in early 20th century by Yoshiji Takebe. Shodoshima, where the company is located, is a 60 square mile island. It is the second largest of the more than 700 islands in Japan's Seto Inland Sea. Since the 14th century the Seto Inland area has prospered as a salt producing region and many soy sauce brewers began production there in the 17th century using the island's high quality sea salt. Shodoshima today is the fourth largest soy sauce production region in Japan, with over 30 breweries on the island.

  • Product Size: 1 bottle - 24 fl oz
  • Kishibori Shoyu - Premium Japanese soy sauce. Imported shoyu fermented in 100 year old cedar barrels for 1 year
  • Arisinal Soy - Kishibori soy is balanced and unlike any soy sauce. Best enjoyed raw with seafood or your favorite dish
  • No preservatives or alcohol - No alcohol allows for a cleaner and richer flavor

User questions & answers

Question: is there MSG in this
Answer: There is so much false information here about sodium content. I just received my 24oz bottle. The outside label on the wrapper says 870mg. The label on the bottle itself says 720mg. Regardless the taste verdict is that it is salty. It fails the salty taste test for me. See pics of label in my review.
Question: Can someone tell me what the exact ingredients are? Thank you
Answer: Japan : all Ingriedients / directions / labeling is Japanese ... best I've ever tasted
Question: What is the sodium content? I'd like an answer from the manufacturer since the label is all in Japanese
Answer: 590 mg per 1 Tbsp serving
Question: where is it made
Answer: The shelf life of soy sauce ranges from 2 - 3 years, depending on the environment.

Kikkoman Organic Soy Sauce, 25.40 Fluid Ounce

Kikkoman

Based on 321 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Kikkoman organic soy sauce.

  • Kikkoman organic soy sauce
  • USDA certified organic
  • Product of Japan

User questions & answers

Question: Should this be refrigerated after opening, like nama shoyu
Answer: Organic soybeans, organic wheat, certified organic by QAI.
Question: Does it use non gmo soy beans
Answer: No. It’s all organic ingredients and no preservatives.
Question: is it using non gmo soy bean
Answer: Yes. All fermented foods have MSG, it's where the umami flavor comes from.
Question: Does it have preservative
Answer: Everything on the bottle is written in Japanese but I looked it up on some other sites and the claim is water, soy beans, wheat, sun dried sea salt.

Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce - 16.9 fl. Ounce

Lee Kum Kee

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce

  • Lee Kum Kee Premium Dark Soy Sauce
  • 16.9 Fl Oz

User questions & answers

Question: Will this soy sauce taste good when cooking fried rice
Answer: Yes the premium soy,is a,dark rich sauce that you can cook your stir frys with and over all better flavor than the weaker waterery soy sauce that you find in grocery stores its also brewed nicely hope this helps
Question: Sodium content
Answer: This isn't a thick soy sauce. It is a tiny bit thicker than regular soy.
Question: What's the difference between this one and the one with a pack of two, different labeling? It's on Amazon
Answer: Most soy sauces need to be refrigerated after opening. That’s what I’ve done with my bottle.
Question: I am looking for a dark thicker soy sauce. Is this one thicker or thin
Answer: The label says organic soy beans and organic wheat and certified organic by QAI. Also says, visit us at www.kikkoman.com

Kikkoman Soy Sauce in Dispenser 5 fl oz (Pack of 2)

Kikkoman

Based on 748 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Kikkoman Soy Sauce Dispenser in 5fl oz (148ml) bottle. Kikkoman is naturally brewed and aged for full flavor, just like a great wine. We start with the finest soybeans and wheat. We blend them with a starter culture, water and salt. And then we add the most important ingredient of all: time. Despite the advances of technology, our fermentation process simply cant be hurried. It takes several months for the rich, mellow flavor and the complex bouquet of Kikkoman Soy Sauce to develop.

User questions & answers

Question: How much sodium
Answer: Yes, just like the dispensers in the restaurants. You get 2 and they are both filled with soy sauce! Good purchase.
Question: Is it a glass or plastic bottle
Answer: I’ve been looking for the same - just the tops as my glass is still good but lid cracked. What a waste to buy a whole bottle.
Question: Do the tops come off? Can you refill these
Answer: Yes. I often use it when I prepare fried rice. But I often use equal parts dark soy sauce, regular soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Question: can you order new tops
Answer: 1180mg 49%. But keep in mind. You use very very little of this. Not like regular soy sauce. And I used this with low sodium soy sauce example in my fried rice. Hope it helps.

Soy Sauce, Pearl River Bridge Superior Dark ,16.9-Ounce Plastic Bottles

Guangdong PRB Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.

Based on 626 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pearl river bridge superior dark soy sauce comes from the later batches of soy sauce procured during the last stages of the brewing process. The pearl river bridge open-air, sunlit fermentation method provides exceptional flavor, color and consistency. Use in stir-fry both in the wok and poured over finished dishes, or as you would as a condiment or dipping sauce. Also works great as a marinade. Note: "dark" soy sauce denotes its color, not its salt content. Chinese chefs commonly choose "light" or "dark" soy sauce depending on the amount of color they want the sauce to impart on the dish.

  • 16.9 fl oz. (500ml)
  • Naturally brewed
  • Product of China

User questions & answers

Question: is this thin or thick
Answer: 1
Question: Is there a soy sauce flavor sauce no or very little salt
Answer: It is on the label shown here on Amazon.
Question: How many bottle(s) are in "1-pack
Answer: 920 mg per tbsp.
Question: What is the Sodium content
Answer: They are glass bottles.

Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce, 64 oz plastic bottle, Original, 1.0 Count

Lee Kum Kee

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

1 of Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce, 64 oz plastic bottle

  • 1 of Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce, 64 oz plastic bottle

User questions & answers

Question: What are the ingredients
Answer: I do not see the #7 anywhere on the bottle
Question: does this need refrigeration after opening it
Answer: Because its not Sam's Club
Question: What is the plastic bottle number
Answer: It is just a bit thicker than regular soy sauce but still very liquid, not thick. It is also very strong so only use a little. Great flavor!
Question: Why is this priced so much more than I bought the same item from sam’s club
Answer: Look for low sodium soy sauce.

La Choy Soy Sauce 10 Oz (Pack of 3)

La Choy

Based on 824 reviews Check latest price

Product description

La Choy Soy Sauce is an essential all-purpose sauce that adds Asian flavor to a variety of dishes. Sprinkle it on rice or use it as a simple, yet flavorful addition for a stir-fry.

  • 10 Oz Bottle (Pack of 3)
  • An essential all-purpose sauce that adds Asian flavor to a variety of dishes
  • The package dimension of the product is 13.7cmL x 16.4cmW x 31.2cmH
  • Package Weight: 1.814 kilograms

Premium Dark Soy Sauce Lite and Low Sodium | 2 Bottles of Dark Soy Sauce 23.65oz Real Authentic Asian-Brewed Marinade for Marinating Fish, Meat & Roasted Vegetables | Squeezable Bottle No MSG | Kosher

Best of Thailand

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • AWARD WINNER MULTI PURPOSE DARK SOY SAUCE LITE AND LOW SODIUM – This bundle pack of 2 bottles of Lite Soy Sauce by Best of Thailand is not your ordinary kitchen ingredient. consider adding this healthy Asian sauce to add texture and taste whether you are preparing Grilled Food, Meat, Fish, Pasta, Sushi or roasted vegetables, made of soybeans, water, salt, sugar, wheat, stabilizers, and preservatives, 70% LESS SODIUM than regular Soy Sauce and is slightly sweeter, overall more intense flavor.
  • AUTHENTIC ASIAN TASTE, NO MSG – Thailand is known for its dishes that are rich in flavors – Tom Yum, Pad Thai, Kaho Pad, Kai Med Ma Muang, to name a few. However, these dishes will not be complete without a soy sauce like this, real Asian brewed and Kosher certified. Don't believe it? Try cooking these Thai dishes without the Best of Thailand Soy Sauce and taste the difference!
  • HANDY SQUEEZABLE CONTAINERS – Most soy sauces in the grocery today are all the same. So we made ours a stand out. To allow the consistent sauce to flow out with ease, all you need to do is open the lid and squeeze the container. Don't worry if it slips your hand. The bottle does not break when it falls. Rest assured all the contents will not be thrown away that easy!
  • KOSHER CERTIFIED WITH TOP QUALITY CONTROL – This top rated Dipping Sauce is certified to be kosher parve and vegan that is quality checked under the prevision of Rabbi Westheim & Manchester Beth Din, Not only the ingredients are inspected, even the equipment are thoroughly cleaned and koshered (special sanitization) to ensure the top quality products.
  • 70% LESS SODIUM DARK SOY SAUCE – As you, we do love dark soy sauce and also being healthy, that’s why we take the most trusted professionals to develop this soy sauce that will make magic with just few tablespoonfuls. Also, the sodium level on this amazing low sodium soy sauce will friendly take care of your vision, pressure and heart being one of the best to include on your diet. Even with 70% less sodium dark soy sauce we do have 100% committed customer service, feel free to contact us.

User questions & answers

Question: How much sodium does it contain
Answer: I bought the Lite version, not the Regular. Lite has 270 mg. of sodium per 15 ml.
Question: Would this work well with wild rice dishes
Answer: I haven't used this soy sauce with wild rice dishes. I bought it after a low sodium/salt diet was prescribed for a family member, and there hasn't been a noticeable difference in the stir- fry dishes I have cooked using plain long grain white rice, pepper steak, etc, or in marinades. I have noticed a difference in the color once it is added to the rice or stir fry dishes. It does seems lighter in color than regular soy sauce that I've used (Kikkomans , La Chow), but we haven't noticed a flavor difference. Don't know how helpful this answer is
Question: does this have to be refrigerated
Answer: regular high-sodium soy sauce is fine kept at room temperature as the salt is a natural preservative, but low-sodium types such as "Best of Thailand Lite" should be kept cool, away from heat sources at least, and refrigeration will help it stay fresher longer.
Question: Is this product Alcohol free
Answer: The ingredient list is as follows: Water, Soy beans, Wheat, Sugar, Salt, Vinegar (Acetic Acid), Stabilizer (Xanthan Gum), Preservative (Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate). The label notes that it is asian brewed, From my limited knowledge gained from an internet search on the subject, I would guess that it may contain alcohol as the brewing process would produce alcohol (as opposed to the acidified, hydrolyzed soy protein product, which is not brewed). Some other information that might help you: It is labeled "Kosher Parve", although I am not sure how that might relate to alcohol content. A couple of sites that cover food from a Muslim perspective note that soy sauce is generally considered "haram" (forbidden) due to the alcohol content of 1.7% or more. However, La Choy soy sauce (a non-brewed or acidified, hydrolyzed soy protein product) is considered halal (permissible). (reference: http://www.albalagh.net/halal/col3.shtml ) There was also a note that in August of last year Kikkoman launched a soy sauce that has received halal certification. (reference http://halalfocus.net/japanese-soy-sauce-manufacturer-kikkoman-launches-halal-soy-sauce/ ) So, presumably it does not have the alcohol content. I hope this helps.

Pearl River Bridge Mushroom Flavored Superior Dark Soy Sauce, Plastic Bottles, 16.9 oz.

Guangdong PRB Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.

Based on 543 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Pearl river bridge mushroom flavored superior dark soy sauce comes from the later batches of soy sauce procured during the last stages of the brewing process. The pearl river bridge open-air, sunlit fermentation method provides exceptional flavor, color and consistency. Use in stir-fry both in the wok and poured over finished dishes, or as you would as a condiment or dipping sauce. Also works great as a marinade. Note: "dark" soy sauce denotes its color, not its salt content. Chinese chefs commonly choose "light" or "dark" soy sauce depending on the amount of color they want the sauce to impart on the dish.

  • 16.9 fl oz. (500ml)
  • Naturally brewed
  • Product of china

User questions & answers

Question: Does this mushroom soy sauce have MSG
Answer: According to the label, it does not. It is a less salty option than regular light soy sauce, but adds great flavor and color.
Question: Is this gluten free
Answer: It says "Product of CHINA" on the bottle.
Question: Does it have msg in the contents. not all soy sauce has it
Answer: Water, salt, soybeans, sugar, wheat flour, caramel color, sodium benzoate added as a preservative, disodium 5’-insoinate and 5’-guanylate as flavor enhancers.
Question: Where was this manufactured
Answer: No, google says soy sauce doesn't need refrigeration

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