When cooking, enhancing the flavor and enjoyment of your meals is a top priority. Liquid condiments like soy sauce can take your dishes to new heights, adding depth and richness. Discover the best soy sauce options and essential information about this beloved seasoning.
Considerations When Buying Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is often considered a core ingredient in Asian cuisine, and its popularity is growing among Americans. The U.S. market is projected to generate $5.54 billion in revenue by 2025. While ketchup and mayonnaise still dominate, interest in soy sauce is on the rise.
Health-conscious shoppers should keep a few factors in mind when selecting soy sauce. Generally, soy sauce contains more sodium than many other condiments because of its salt, MSG, and other ingredients. If you’re sensitive to sodium, it’s wise to check the nutritional label before purchasing.
Soy sauce is crafted from a variety of ingredients, including soybeans and wheat. Some varieties are naturally fermented, while others are made through chemical processes. With numerous options available, don’t hesitate to explore and find the one that suits your palate.
Top Soy Sauce Brands
As you navigate the grocery aisle, you might wonder which soy sauce is the best. The answer can differ based on personal preference, but here’s a curated list of some top brands you should try.
1. San-J
| Type | Tamari soy sauce |
| Origin | Japan |
| Ingredients | Water, soybean, salt, alcohol |
| Available Sizes | 10, 20 and 64 fluid ounces |
San-J offers an authentic Japanese soy sauce, maintaining traditional fermentation methods. Its Tamari Soy Sauce is notably richer and less salty than regular variants. With a simple ingredient list, it is both vegan and free from GMOs and gluten.
San-J also provides options for those monitoring sodium intake, with soy sauces containing 28% or 50% less sodium. Some formulations include organic soybeans, promoting environmental sustainability.
2. Lee Kum Kee
| Type | Dark soy sauce |
| Origin | China |
| Ingredients | Water, salt, soybeans, sugar, wheat flour, caramel coloring |
| Available Sizes | 8.4, 59 and 64 fluid ounces |
Lee Kum Kee is a widely recognized brand known for its traditional brewing methods, which enhance the umami flavor. Its classic soy sauce is ideal for marinating and cooking, with a Brown Braising Sauce specifically designed for Chinese braising dishes.
3. Kikkoman
| Type | Dark soy sauce |
| Origin | Japan |
| Ingredients | Water, soybean, wheat, salt |
| Available Sizes | 5 fluid ounces, 40 fluid ounces, 2 quarts |
Kikkoman is an iconic soy sauce that originated in Japan and is now produced in the U.S. It follows a traditional fermentation process that yields a dense and flavorful soy sauce, free from preservatives and non-GMO.
Additionally, Kikkoman offers gluten-free and organic varieties, while a double-fermented version intensifies the umami experience.
4. American Garden
| Type | Dark soy sauce |
| Origin | U.S. |
| Ingredients | Distilled vinegar, hydrolyzed soy protein, salt, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, caramel color |
| Available Sizes | 295 milliliters |
American Garden is renowned for its wide array of sauces, offering a unique soy sauce approach perfect for dairy-free and vegetarian diets. It utilizes hydrolyzed soy protein for the umami flavor and retains sweetness with corn syrup, while avoiding artificial flavors.
5. Silver Swan
| Type | Dark and light soy sauce |
| Origin | Philippines |
| Ingredients | Water, soybean protein, wheat flour, iodized salt, coloring agent |
| Available Sizes | 34 and 128 fluid ounces |
Originating from Manila’s Chinatown, Silver Swan provides a distinctive soy sauce that enhances the flavors of your dish with a touch of sweetness. Their Regular Lauriat Chinese Soy Sauce is thick and richly flavored, while the Lauriat Chinese Light Soy Sauce is more delicate.
6. Kroger Soy Sauce
| Type | Dark and light soy sauce |
| Origin | U.S. |
| Ingredients | Water, hydrolyzed soy protein, salt, dextrose, caramel color |
| Available Sizes | 10 fluid ounces |
Kroger’s soy sauce features a chemically produced formulation with hydrolyzed soy protein. Inspired by Chinese condiments, their original and lite versions are known for being saltier.
Kroger’s soy sauce is marketed as Kosher, adhering to Jewish dietary laws. For a more traditional take, try the Private Selection Premium Soy Sauce—a rich product made from water, defatted soybeans, wheat, salt, and aged for 180 days for enhanced umami flavor.
7. Pearl River Bridge
| Type | Dark soy sauce |
| Origin | China |
| Ingredients | Water, soybeans, salt, sugar, wheat flour |
| Available Sizes | 5, 150, 500 and 600 milliliters |
Pearl River Bridge is a well-regarded brand in the U.S., with its Superior Dark Soy Sauce being particularly noteworthy. It undergoes over 100 days of fermentation to achieve a robust flavor and aroma, making it an essential addition to your kitchen.
The brand also offers a Superior Light Soy Sauce using high-quality Southern Chinese soybeans, along with a Gluten-Free Low Salt version for those looking for healthier options.
8. Bourbon Barrel Foods
| Type | Dark soy sauce |
| Origin | U.S. |
| Ingredients | Water, soybeans, wheat, sea salt, and yeast |
| Available Sizes | 100 milliliters, 32 ounces |
Bourbon Barrel Foods proudly presents Bluegrass Soy Sauce, a handcrafted condiment inspired by Japanese techniques. This soy sauce incorporates Limestone-filtered Kentucky spring water, non-GMO soybeans, and soft red winter wheat, creating a unique flavor profile.
Variations include Bourbon Smoked Soy Sauce, where Bluegrass Soy Sauce is slow-smoked in white oak bourbon barrels to add complexity to its flavor.
9. Sempio
| Type | Dark soy sauce |
| Origin | Korea |
| Ingredients | Water, defatted soybeans, wheat, salt, high fructose corn syrup, alcohol, yeast extract, licorice extract, sucralose |
| Available Sizes | 150, 500 and 860 milliliters, and 1.7, 5 and 15 liters |
Sempio, a leading soy sauce brand in Korea for about 70 years, offers a naturally brewed soy sauce that’s notably lighter and less salty. Each bottle ferments for approximately 6 months with beneficial yeast and lactic acid for a clean flavor, and it is certified Kosher and SQF.
10. Shibanuma
| Type | Dark soy sauce |
| Origin | Japan |
| Ingredients | Defatted processed soybeans, wheat, table salt |
| Available Sizes | 10.14 fluid ounces |
Shibanuma specializes in artisanal soy sauce and offers classic options with a gentle flavor. Their Ohitachi variety is ideal for sashimi and sushi, undergoing over a year of fermentation for a pronounced umami taste.
For a more versatile option, try Shiho-no-Shizuku, an unheated pure soy sauce that can be used for marinating and enhancing the flavor of fish, meats, and vegetables, making it a great alternative to table salt.
11. La Choy
| Type | Dark soy sauce |
| Origin | U.S. |
| Ingredients | Water, salt, hydrolyzed soy protein, corn syrup, caramel coloring, potassium sorbate |
| Available Sizes | 10 and 15 ounces |
Since 1922, La Choy has been a go-to for Asian essentials, expanding from canned bean sprouts to soy sauces. Acquired by food giant Conagra, La Choy remains a crowd favorite for its authentic taste. They also offer low-sodium variants for those looking to manage salt intake.
Common Questions About Soy Sauce
Now that you know which soy sauce to choose, you may still have questions about this popular condiment. Here are some frequently asked questions for clarity.
How Do You Choose Your Soy Sauce?
Choosing the right soy sauce is a matter of personal taste. Do you prefer larger bottles for your kitchen or are you focused on savoring the flavor? Consider whether you want light or dark soy sauce based on your usage: light is generally used for seasoning and marinades, while dark contributes to a deeper color and flavor profile.
What Are the Key Benefits of Soy Sauce?
Soy sauce can be a flavorful way to gradually increase your salt intake. It also contains antioxidants that may help prevent cellular damage from free radicals; however, further research is needed. Use soy sauce in moderation for the best results in recipes.
How Much Soy Sauce Is Too Much?
With its high sodium content, just one tablespoon of soy sauce meets over a third of the daily recommended sodium intake. For a single meal, it’s best to stick with that amount. If meal prepping or marinating, you can adjust the quantity as needed.
What Is the Shelf Life of Soy Sauce?
Soy sauce can last a long time, especially when stored unopened on a shelf. Its fermentation and preservatives contribute to its longevity. After opening, its optimal freshness is typically three to six months. Refrigerating the bottle after opening helps maintain its quality.
How to Use Soy Sauce in Cooking
With your chosen soy sauce in hand, you can experiment with various recipes. Here are some great ideas to enhance your cooking experience.
Dipping Sauce
A simple application of soy sauce is as a dipping sauce. It pairs wonderfully with boiled chicken, raw veggies, or dumplings. Combine your favorite soy sauce with sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and pepper, adding cilantro for an herby twist. Use in moderation and store any leftover sauce for another meal.
Stir-Fry Sauce
Your stir-fry sauce is an essential tool for quick meals involving leftover rice, noodles, shrimp, tofu, veggies, and more. Start with vegetable stock, then mix soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sugar. You can thicken it with cornstarch and add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Salad Dressing
For a basic salad, try an Asian ginger dressing instead of the usual Thousand Island. To achieve strong flavors, mince fresh garlic and ginger and mix with olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Add water to thin it to your liking.
Soup Base
Soy sauce is perfect for creating rich soups. Shoyu ramen is particularly popular, where Japanese chefs refine their technique. The broth typically includes your favorite soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, chicken stock, dashi, and sake, with sugar and salt to taste.
Discover the Ideal Soy Sauce
Determining the best soy sauce can be subjective, given the many options available. Use this guide to refine your choices and sample some high-quality brands. Prioritize your tastes and health considerations when selecting your condiments.
