Is soy sauce gluten free?

Traditional soy sauce is not gluten-free. Standard soy sauce is brewed using a fermented combination of crushed soybeans and roasted wheat grains, often in equal proportions. Because wheat is a primary ingredient, regular commercial soy sauce contains significant amounts of gluten protein.

Fortunately, several gluten-free alternatives exist. Tamari is a traditional Japanese soy sauce made predominantly from soybeans with little to no wheat; certified gluten-free tamari provides the same rich, savory umami flavor without gluten. Liquid aminos and coconut aminos are also popular gluten-free, soy-sauce substitutes. Always look for explicit “Gluten-Free” labels when buying tamari or soy sauce replacements to ensure they contain no hidden wheat ingredients.