Jump to:
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!
How we decided
Best Japanese Gluten-Free Soy Sauces
1. Ito Shoten Denemon Shoyu Japanese Tamari Soy Sauce
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.
Pros
- Naturally aged 3 years for deep, rich flavor
- Gluten-free and all-natural, no additives
- Thick texture ideal for dipping and marinades
Cons
- Less salty than regular soy sauce, may require adjustment
- Higher price compared to typical soy sauces
2. Denemon Barrel Aged Rich Tamari Soy Sauce for Sushi & Sashimi
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.
Pros
- Barrel-aged tamari for deep, rich umami flavor
- Balanced salty-sweet taste with added mirin
- Perfectly tailored for sushi and sashimi
Cons
- Strong flavor may overpower delicate dishe
- Contains mirin, so slightly sweet for those preferring pure tamari
3. Warabeuta Tamari Shoyu Rich 3-Year Barrel Aged Gluten-Free Soy Sauce 200ml
Warabeuta Tamari Shoyu is a 3-year barrel-aged, gluten-free soy sauce crafted from Japanese soybeans and domestic salt. Rich, thick, and umami-packed, this traditional tamari is perfect as a dipping sauce, in glazes, or for enhancing Japanese dishes. Limited-batch, premium quality from Taketoyo, Aichi Prefecture.
Pros
- 3-year barrel-aged, rich umami
- Thick texture, premium domestic ingredients
- Made with premium domestic soybeans and salt
Cons
- Strong flavor needs careful use
- Pricier than standard tamari
4. Marumata Tamari Shoyu Organic Gluten-Free Japanese Soy Sauce
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.
Pros
- Certified organic (JAS, Ecocert, USDA)
- Additive-free
- Large bottle, versatile for daily use
Cons
- Milder flavor compared to barrel-aged tamari
- Must be refrigerated after opening
5. Kikkoman Halal and Gluten-Free Japanese Soy Sauce
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.
Pros
- Halal certified
- Same color, taste, aroma as regular shoyu
- Large bottle, ideal for frequent use
Cons
- Less premium/aged flavor compared to traditional tamari
- Contains wheat-free but not barrel-aged umami
6. Minamigura Tamari Shoyu Najimi (3-Year Barrel Aged Gluten-Free Soy Sauce)
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.
Pros
- 3-year barrel-aged, gluten-free
- Balanced 1:1 water-to-soybean ratio for cooking
- Large bottle, great for regular use
Cons
- Not ideal for dipping or sushi
- Less intense than richer tamari shoyu variants
7. Nagara Tamari Shoyu Gluten-Free Barrel Aged Tamari Soy Sauce
Yamakawa Nagara Tamari Shoyu is gluten-free, barrel-aged soy sauce from Gifu Prefecture. Crafted with whole domestic soybeans, koji, and pure Nagara River water, it delivers rich, deep umami flavor. Perfect for dipping sashimi, cold tofu, grilled meats, and vegetables. Premium, natural, and traditionally brewed in 100+ year-old cedar barrels.
Pros
- Barrel-aged in 100+ year-old cedar barrels
- Made with 100% domestic ingredients, gluten-free
- Rich, deep flavor ideal for dipping, finishing dishes
Cons
- Strong flavor may overpower delicate dishes
- Limited production, may be harder to find
8. Takahashi Shoten Fava Bean Shoyu Sauce (Soy-Free Soy Sauce)
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.
Pros
- Made entirely from fava beans and Shodoshima salt
- Soy-free, wheat-free, and vegan-friendly
- Flavor closely mimics traditional Koikuchi soy sauce
Cons
- More expensive than regular soy sauce
- Slightly different taste for those used to traditional tamari
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.
