Is Soy Sauce Gluten Free?
Coeliac Disease
Avoid regular soy sauce entirely. Tamari is the GF alternative.
Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
Avoid completely. Wheat-based fermentation.
Why Does Soy Sauce Contain Gluten?
Soy sauce is fermented from wheat, soybeans, salt and koji. The wheat fermentation creates the characteristic umami flavour. Contains gluten.
Australia vs United States
Australia (FSANZ)
FSANZ warns. Regular soy sauce ubiquitous in Asian cooking in Australia.
United States (FDA)
FDA allergen label mandatory for wheat content.
Nutrition Information
Source: USDA FDC. Values are for the generic food in its standard form. Branded products may vary. Always check the product label for the most accurate nutrition information.
Brand Comparison
Not all brands are created equal. Here is how popular soy sauce brands stack up for gluten content.
| Brand | Region | Gluten Free? | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kikkoman | AU | Check | None | Regular soy sauce contains wheat; check tamari variety |
| Kikkoman Tamari | AU | Yes | None | Wheat-free tamari specifically GF certified |
| San-J | US | Yes | None | Tamari style available in US market |
| La Choy | US | No | None | Contains wheat; not suitable for GF diet |
| Lee Kum Kee | both | Check | None | Some GF varieties available; check label |
| Bragg Liquid Aminos | US | Yes | None | Soy-based alternative naturally GF |
| Coconut Secret | US | Yes | None | Coconut aminos GF alternative to soy sauce |
| Ayam | AU | No | None | Regular brands contain wheat |
| Fountain | AU | No | None | Contains wheat ingredients |
What to Watch For
Wheat as mandatory ingredient, cross-contamination during fermentation
Gluten Free Alternatives
If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Tamari (wheat-free), coconut aminos, mushroom soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Soy Sauce gluten free?
Regular soy sauce is made from fermented wheat and soybeans containing gluten.
Can coeliacs eat soy sauce?
Avoid regular soy sauce entirely. Tamari is the GF alternative.
Related Foods in Sauces and Condiments
More from RefDat
Explore more reference data at refdat.com.
How We Verify This
Every food in our database is reviewed against current FSANZ and FDA gluten-free standards. Brand data is verified against manufacturer labelling. We cross-reference with Coeliac Australia ingredient lists and the USDA FoodData Central database. When Australian and US standards differ, we apply the stricter standard.
Sources
FSANZ, WHO, Coeliac Australia
Last reviewed: May 2026