Is Soy Sauce Vegan? Everything You Need to Know

If you're a vegan or considering adopting a vegan lifestyle, you might be wondering "is soy sauce vegan?" Let's explore whether soy sauce is vegan and delve into the details of its ingredients and production process!

Jump to:

• What is Soy Sauce?
• Traditional Ingredients in Soy Sauce
• How Soy Sauce is Made
• Different Types of Soy Sauce
• The Best Soy Sauce Brand
• TLDR
• 💬 Comments

What is Soy Sauce?

Soy sauce is a versatile condiment that's commonly used in many cuisines worldwide. It's renowned for its rich umami flavor and is a key ingredient in numerous dishes. The good news for vegans is that soy sauce is typically vegan-friendly.

Traditional Ingredients in Soy Sauce

Traditional soy sauce consists of four primary ingredients, and they're all plant-based:

1. Soybeans: The foundation of soy sauce, these legumes provide flavor and protein.
2. Wheat (or Other Grains): Wheat is often used to provide carbohydrates, which aid in fermentation and texture. However, wheat-free varieties are available for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Salt: Salt is crucial for the fermentation process and flavor development. It's entirely plant-based.
4. Water: Water is used to dilute the mixture and facilitate fermentation.

Since all these ingredients are plant-derived, traditional soy sauce doesn't contain any animal products ✌️

How Soy Sauce is Made

1. Cooking: Soybeans and wheat are soaked and cooked to soften them, making way for the magic to happen.
2. Koji Mold: A special mold called koji gets introduced. It breaks down starches and proteins into flavorful amino acids and sugars.
3. Fermentation: Over months to years, natural fermentation works its wonders, enriching the sauce with its signature umami taste.
4. Brine Bath: The mixture takes a dip in a salty brine, deepening its flavor and preserving it.
5. Pressing: After fermentation, the sauce is pressed to separate the liquid from solids.
6. Final Touches: Pasteurization, filtration, and bottling complete the process, resulting in that delicious soy sauce we all love.

Different Types of Soy Sauce

There are various types of soy sauce, and many of them are vegan-friendly. Here are a couple of popular ones:

Tamari

Tamari is often considered a vegan alternative to traditional soy sauce because it is typically wheat-free. It has a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to regular soy sauce.

Tamari is commonly used in gluten-free and vegan cooking and is a favorite among those with dietary restrictions.

Shoyu

Shoyu is another type of soy sauce that is generally vegan. It is widely used in Japanese cuisine and offers a balanced flavor profile, combining saltiness with a touch of sweetness.

Shoyu can be used in various vegan recipes to add depth and umami.

The Best Soy Sauce Brand

In terms of selecting a brand of soy sauce, choose an organic option that is also free from gluten and you'll be set. Here's our favorite:

TLDR

Yes, soy sauce is vegan and contains no animal-derived ingredients.