If you’re the type of person who simply must drizzle soy sauce on everything from sushi to stir-fries, you’re in good company. Soy sauce is a global favourite – a trusty staple in Asian-inspired kitchens around the world. But if you’re one of the many who need to steer clear of gluten for health reasons, that humble bottle in the cupboard may be surprisingly hazardous.
Traditional soy sauce often contains wheat, which is obviously a no-no if you’re coeliac or have a gluten intolerance. Fortunately, you don’t have to ditch your love for that salty, umami hit entirely. Below, we’ll walk you through why soy sauce contains gluten in the first place, then highlight the best gluten-free soy sauce brands in the UK. Because let’s face it: life’s too short to skip on flavour!
Understanding Gluten in Soy Sauce
Traditional Brewing Techniques
You might assume soy sauce is purely made from soybeans (it’s right there in the name, after all). However, most traditional soy sauce found on supermarket shelves – from mainstream to artisanal – includes wheat in its fermentation. This process usually involves soaking and steaming soybeans, roasting and crushing wheat, then combining them with a mould culture called koji, water, and salt.
The mixture is left to ferment for months, yielding that deeply savoury flavour we all know and love. Because wheat is a significant ingredient, it means that standard soy sauce can contain a fair amount of gluten – enough to pose a problem for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Tamari: The Gluten-Free Cousin
If you’ve roamed the condiment aisle or ventured into a health food shop, you might have stumbled across tamari, often marketed as a gluten-free variant of soy sauce. Unlike traditional soy sauce, tamari is typically brewed without wheat, making it a favourite among coeliacs and gluten-averse folks.
The brewing process uses mainly soybeans (sometimes 100% soy) and salt, which can create a slightly richer, thicker sauce compared to standard soy sauce. It’s also beloved by many who appreciate its robust yet smooth flavour profile, offering a similar umami punch to conventional soy sauce.
Top Gluten-Free Soy Sauce Brands in the UK
Now that we’ve established why regular soy sauce may not be suitable for gluten-free diets, let’s dive into our top picks. These brands offer safe and delicious alternatives, ensuring you don’t miss out on that crucial depth of flavour in your cooking.
1. Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
First up is one of the most recognisable names in the soy sauce world: Kikkoman. Their Naturally Brewed Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce is a hit with many British shoppers, combining Kikkoman’s iconic reputation with a wheat-free twist.
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Brewing Process: This version is crafted from soybeans only, which grants it the all-important “tamari” label. Expect a smooth, well-rounded taste – and yes, a solid umami punch.
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Flavour Profile: Slightly less salty than some soy sauces, it has a subtle sweetness and a mellow depth. You can use it interchangeably in any recipe calling for standard soy sauce.
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Where to Buy: Most large UK supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, etc.) stock it, and you can also find it online via Amazon and other retailers. It’s become a staple in many gluten-free households, so it shouldn’t be too tricky to track down.
2. San-J Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
San-J is a brand that’s popular among those who need to avoid wheat altogether, and it’s sometimes hailed as the go-to name for tamari.
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100% Soy Goodness: San-J prides itself on using 100% soybeans in its brewing, making its tamari variety a strong contender in the gluten-free market.
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Taste Characteristics: Rich, savoury, and slightly thicker in texture than your usual soy sauce, San-J’s tamari is fantastic in dips for sushi, marinades for tofu, or drizzled over steamed rice.
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Availability: You’ll spot San-J Tamari in some health food shops, and it’s also available from various online stores in the UK. While it may not be in every mainstream supermarket, it’s worth seeking out if you want a top-notch tamari experience.
3. Clearspring Organic Tamari Soy Sauce
When it comes to organic and natural foods, Clearspring is a well-known brand in Britain. Its Organic Tamari Soy Sauce is another excellent gluten-free choice.
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Traditional Fermentation: Clearspring emphasises traditional fermentation methods, which can last many months, resulting in a full-bodied sauce that’s free from additives or artificial flavours.
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Organic Credentials: For those who like to keep things as pure as possible, Clearspring’s organic certification ensures the soybeans are grown without synthetic pesticides. That means you can savour your stir-fry with a clear conscience.
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Who’s It For?: Anyone wanting a genuine tamari that’s also organic. It suits a wide range of diets, including vegan, gluten-free, and macrobiotic.
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Where to Buy: Stocked in specialist health retailers like Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic, Clearspring is also available online or in some supermarket “free-from” aisles.
4. Lee Kum Kee Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
If you’ve ever tried your hand at Chinese cooking, you’ve likely encountered Lee Kum Kee, a popular brand for East Asian sauces and condiments. Among their vast product line, they offer a Gluten-Free Soy Sauce that’s perfect for those who love to cook up Cantonese, Sichuan, or other regional Chinese dishes.
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Formulation: Lee Kum Kee uses cornstarch instead of wheat as a thickener, which is a common tactic among gluten-free sauce manufacturers. This gives the sauce a consistency akin to typical soy sauce without the gluten.
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Flavour: The brand is known for robust, authentic Chinese flavours. Expect a slightly salty edge, which is fantastic for stir-fries, noodle dishes, or dipping sauces.
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Where to Purchase: You can often find Lee Kum Kee’s gluten-free range in larger supermarkets with an Asian foods aisle. It’s also commonly stocked in Chinese supermarkets and online shops such as Sous Chef or Amazon.
5. Kikkoman Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (Rice-Based)
Yes, Kikkoman makes more than one gluten-free variation! In addition to their tamari, they also have a gluten-free soy sauce brewed using rice instead of wheat.
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What’s the Difference?: This version is slightly lighter in colour and body than the tamari edition. It might be closer to a standard “light soy sauce” that’s frequently used in Asian cooking.
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Taste Notes: Expect a delicate, clear umami that won’t overpower dishes. It’s ideal for fish, vegetables, and lighter marinades where you want something less intense than tamari.
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Availability: You can spot this in many big supermarkets across the UK or order it online. If you find you prefer a lighter taste or if you’re specifically following a recipe that calls for a “light soy,” this Kikkoman variant is a brilliant swap.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
So, how do you decide which of these sauces deserves a permanent place in your cupboard? It helps to look at a few factors:
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Flavour Profile
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Tamari sauces (like San-J or Clearspring) are typically richer and more robust. If you enjoy a heartier flavour, tamari might be your best bet.
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Light Soy Sauce Replacements (e.g., Kikkoman’s rice-based option) could work better for delicate dishes, seafood, or recipes calling for a more subtle hint of soy.
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Sodium Content
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Soy sauces, in general, can pack a salt punch. Check the label if you’re watching your sodium intake. Some brands may offer “reduced salt” varieties, although those can be harder to find in gluten-free form.
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If you’re diluting soy sauce in a recipe, you might be able to offset the saltiness with other lower-sodium ingredients or simply use less overall.
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Certifications and Labelling
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Seek out official gluten-free certifications if you require absolute certainty. Some tamari sauces may say “no wheat added,” but it’s crucial to verify that they are indeed safe for coeliacs.
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Keep an eye on packaging disclaimers, such as “produced in a factory that handles wheat,” if you’re extremely sensitive.
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Ultimately, tasting is believing. You might find you love the deeper notes of a tamari sauce or that a lighter gluten-free soy sauce suits your fried rice to perfection. Trying a few can be a fun kitchen experiment if you’re feeling adventurous!
Conclusion: Savouring the Best Gluten-Free Soy Sauce Brands in The Uk
Living a gluten-free life doesn’t mean you have to wave goodbye to that savoury tang of soy sauce. From hearty tamari blends to light and breezy rice-based variations, there are loads of ways to get your salty, umami fix without putting your health at risk.
Whether you’re partial to Kikkoman or prefer the artisanal vibes of Clearspring, you can still enjoy delicious Asian-inspired meals at home, coeliac-safe and worry-free.
So next time you’re whipping up a stir-fry, assembling sushi rolls, or simply craving that gorgeously savoury drizzle over your noodles, keep these five brands in mind. They’re all readily available in the UK, whether via your local supermarket’s “Free From” section, specialist Asian grocers, or online.
And don’t forget: labels matter. Always double-check ingredients, as recipes can change, and new variants pop up. With the right bottle by your side, you can embrace the full range of flavours that soy sauce has to offer – minus the gluten. Happy cooking (and dipping), everyone!
