Soy sauce is one of the oldest known and used seasonings in cuisine. Its history dates back at least 2500 years to a time when salt was the primary food preservative. The production of soy sauce developed in East Asia, and the sauce itself is made from a mixture of soybeans, wheat, water, and salt, which undergoes a fermentation process. It originally comes from China, and its composition has been further developed over time by adding molds, yeasts, and lactic acid bacteria. The resulting mash must mature first before obtaining a clear liquid through pressing and filtering. Depending on the country of origin and the recipe used, soy sauce can have different consistencies and flavors. Chinese cuisine prefers a thick and salty liquid, Indonesian cuisine leans towards a thin consistency and sweet taste, while Japanese soy sauce is thin and salty. Ranking soy sauces must consider all preferences, strengths, and weaknesses of each specific product. Since it is a food product, the choice of the best soy sauce must be subjective, depending on personal preferences and the dishes being prepared. However, the basic criterion used in the ranking is the absence of chemical flavor enhancers, preservatives, xanthan gum, glucose syrup, and artificial colors.
TOP 5 best soy sauces
5. Kikkoman Soy Sauce
Kikkoman soy sauce, 150 ml, is a naturally brewed product subjected to natural fermentation processes. It does not contain synthetic colorings or artificial flavors. Its ingredients include wheat, soybeans, water, and only a minimal amount of sugar, while it is free of fat. It is also free from lactose, palm oil, and nuts. Users’ ratings range between 4.5 and 5 on a five-point scale. This brand of soy sauce belongs to the category of strongly salty sauces and is successfully used for soups and fish. Kikkoman soy sauce is among the most popular products in Polish cuisine, commonly used in homes and restaurants.
4. Kikkoman Gluten Free Soy Sauce
Kikkoman gluten-free soy sauce, 250 ml, is a variation of this brand’s sauce designed for individuals with gluten intolerance. The product contains water, soybeans, and spirit vinegar. It has significantly reduced levels of carbohydrates and sugar, and it is free of fat. Similar to the product at position number 5, it contains the same amount of salt, which is 16.4 g. After opening, the soy sauce should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its sensory qualities and taste.
3. Lima Tamari soy sauce - strong, gluten-free, bio
Lima Tamari Strong Bio Gluten-Free Soy Sauce, with a capacity of 145 ml, is a representative product of one of the five variations of soy sauce. According to users, Tamari is considered the best soy sauce. It is primarily produced in the Chubu region of Japan. The main ingredient of this type of sauce is soy, while the second common ingredient, which is wheat, is present in minimal amounts or not at all. Therefore, it is recommended for consumption as a naturally gluten-free product, serving as an excellent substitute for traditional soy sauce. Due to its higher protein content, the sauce has a significantly more concentrated flavor, even though it contains less salt than its predecessors. It is pasteurized, and alcohol serves as a preservative. Tamari sauce is used with meats, fish, noodles, vegetables, and marinades with rice wine or vinegar.
2. Yamas soy sauce
Yamasa soy sauce is a Japanese product that comes from a country with a 360-year tradition of producing this seasoning. It is made naturally using traditional brewing techniques without the use of preservatives, artificial flavors, or flavor concentrates. These sauces are produced in the town of Choshi and are made from soybeans, water, and wheat. A small amount of alcohol, produced during the production process, serves as a preservative. It is characterized by its brown, transparent color and exceptional taste. Users of this sauce emphasize its quality and aroma above all else. It receives a rating of 4.9 out of 5 on a five-point scale.
1. Tamari Kikkoman Soy Sauce
Tamari Kikkoman soy sauce is considered by many users to be the best soy sauce. It is a naturally brewed gluten-free soy sauce. It is made from water, soybeans, salt, and spirit vinegar. Its flavor can be enjoyed by both gluten-intolerant individuals and all other users. Soy sauces from this brand consistently rank among the top three available products in Poland. Tamari Kikkoman soy sauce is suitable for enhancing the taste of fish, vegetables, and meat.
The ranking of soy sauces is a subjective attempt to organize the scale of advantages of this product. However, it is hard to ignore that the soy sauces available in Poland represent only a few brands. Therefore, the search for the optimal soy sauce should start with the local market, preferably by reading product labels. The natural brewing process of soy sauce means that it should not contain any additives other than the basic ones, such as soybeans, wheat, and salt. It is also worth paying attention to whether the producer uses natural soy or genetically modified soy (GMO). Soy sauce enthusiasts should consider gluten-free sauces and sauces with low salt content, especially for those who love this Eastern condiment but struggle with high blood pressure. The limited range of soy sauces in Poland prevents us from tasting all types of this product and their subtle variations. Soy sauce connoisseurs are encouraged to purchase products abroad during their travels or use online stores, which constantly expand their offerings with new varieties of this savory seasoning.
