9 Best Gluten-Free Soy Sauces You Need To Try!

If you have a gluten intolerance or have just been looking for unique gluten-free Japanese pantry staples, this article is for you. Below, we’ll introduce you to our top 9 gluten-free soy sauce picks that you need to try!

Is Soy Sauce Gluten Free?

Unfortunately conventional soy sauce is not gluten-free. Traditional soy sauce is typically made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. Therefore, it contains gluten. However, these days, there are soy sauces on the market made without wheat. Always check the packaging for gluten-free labels or stay tuned for our top recommendations!

Is Tamari Sauce Gluten Free?

This is where things get a little bit complicated. The answer is yes, but sometimes no. Tamari is generally considered gluten-free in Western markets, but it's crucial to check labels. In Japan, tamari was not originally designed as a gluten-free alternative. We explain all about this in our tamari article, which you should definitely check out after reading this article. Some tamari brands may contain trace amounts of wheat for taste and shelf life, while others are genuinely gluten-free.

Difference Between Tamari and Gluten Free Soy Sauce?

So then, what’s the difference between Tamari and Gluten Free Soy Sauce? We know that tamari sauce was not actually intended to be gluten-free soy sauce, in fact, tamari is actually a byproduct of miso. On the other hand, gluten-free soy sauce is gluten-free for a reason - so that those with gluten intolerances or who simply are looking for gluten-free options can still enjoy the umami rich sauce. Now that that’s all cleared up, let’s move on to our favorite gluten-free soy sauces!

Best Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

Ito Shoten Denemon Shoyu Japanese Tamari Soy Sauce 200ml

If you’re looking for a gluten-free soy sauce that happens to be a tamari shoyu, then the Ito Shoten Denemon Tamari Shoyu is the perfect choice! This tamari is 100% gluten free as it is made of only carefully selected Japanese soybeans, sun-dried salt, and koji. Not to mention that this tamari is aged carefully in cedar barrels for three years which results in a uniquely rich and flavorful sauce. Denemon tamari is stronger than regular soy sauce but perfectly balanced with less saltiness.

Best Budget Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

Ichibiki Tamari Shoyu Gluten-Free Japanese Soy Sauce 500ml

Those who are looking for a budget-friendly gluten-free soy sauce option should check out the Ichibiki Gluten-Free Soy Sauce. Coming in a generous 500ml size, this particular gluten-free soy sauce is made solely from untreated, non-GMO soybeans and salt. Another pro of this gluten-free soy sauce is that it adheres to the gluten-free food standards of both the UK and USA.

Best Luxury Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

Minamigura Rich Tamari Shoyu Gin Warabeuta (3-Year Barrel Aged Gluten-Free Soy Sauce) 200ml

This 3-Year Barrel Aged Gluten-Free Soy Sauce from Minamigura is a luxurious treat! It has a rich flavor, thicker texture compared to other gluten-free soy sauces and is only produced in limited batches because it is extracted as a byproduct of miso. It is recommended not to use this particular tamari as your everyday cooking condiment or seasoning, but more as a dipping sauce for steaks and sashimi, or even in simple oil-based salad dressings.

Best Organic Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

Marumata Tamari Shoyu Organic Gluten-Free Japanese Soy Sauce 360ml

Few tamari soy sauces are globally marketed, and even fewer are certified organic. The Marumata Tamari Shoyu is made from organically certified soybeans, meeting the standards of JAS, Ecocert, and USDA. It's a gluten-free and additive-free Japanese soy sauce, ensuring those with gluten intolerance can savor the full, safe taste of soy sauce. This is the perfect gluten-free soy sauce for consumers specifically looking for something organic.

Best Halal Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

Kikkoman Halal and Gluten-Free Japanese Soy Sauce 1L

This gluten-free soy sauce from Kikkoman goes beyond being just gluten-free; it's also halal, catering to those with wheat intolerance and those following a halal diet. Utilizing advanced technology, Kikkoman has created a halal soy sauce with the same color, taste, and fragrance as regular Japanese soy sauce. It holds Halal certification from the Dutch certification body "HFFIA," recognized by certification bodies worldwide, including Malaysia JAKIM and Indonesia MUI.

Best All-Purpose Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

Minamigura Tamari Shoyu Najimi (3-Year Barrel Aged Gluten-Free Soy Sauce) 900ml

If you are looking for an all-purpose gluten-free soy sauce that can be used for anything from cooking to marinating meats, to using as a dipping sauce, then the Minamigura Tamari Shoyu Najimi is the gluten-free soy sauce you should consider!

This is an old-fashioned soy sauce simply made with Japanese soybeans and salt, and then slowly aged for 3 years in 145-year-old wooden kioke barrels. It is made of an equal ratio of soybeans and water, so it is not too salty and is perfect to use for seasoning stir-fries, soups, and stews. Because it is slowly aged, it has a deeper flavor compared to conventional soy sauce making it perfect for any culinary creation you see fit.

Best Gluten-Free Soy Sauce For Dipping Sauces

Tomizu Tamari Shoyu Nagara Japanese Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce 500ml

This gluten-free soy sauce from Tomizu is the perfect tamari to be used for seasoning simple foods such as sashimi or cold tofu, as it has a richer and darker flavor compared to conventional dark soy sauce.

Tomizu employs a unique technique called "tosui-shikomi," blending soybeans and koji with 100% clear stream water. The tamari shoyu uses water from Gifu's renowned Nagara River, celebrated for its delicious and fresh taste.

Best Gluten-Free Soy Sauce For Marinades, Sauces & Glazes

Handa Tamari Shoyu Gluten-Free Japanese Soy Sauce 360ml

Handa Tamari Shoyu Gluten-Free Japanese Soy Sauce offers a gluten-free alternative, replacing flour with kinako (roasted soybean powder) and boasting more essential amino acids than wheat-based shoyu. It functions like regular soy sauce but stands out for its super-rich umami, making it versatile for various uses.

Handa’s gluten-free soy sauce effectively eliminates fishy smells, enhancing the flavor of fish dishes and sashimi. It also adds a vibrant red hue when heated, making stewed dishes visually appealing.

Best Soy-Free Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

Takahashi Shoten Fava Bean Shoyu Sauce (Soy-Free Soy Sauce) 300ml

Takahashi Shoten Fava Bean Shoyu Sauce: a gluten-free, soy-free Japanese alternative crafted from 100% broad beans and Shodoshima salt. Ideal for those with soy and wheat allergies, it closely resembles Koikuchi soy sauce's popular flavor, making it suitable for various dietary restrictions, including vegan and gluten intolerance.

Want to discover more gluten-free soy sauce options? Be sure to check out our collection of Japanese gluten-free soy sauces, shipped directly from Japan.