Does Kikkoman Soy Sauce Have Gluten? A Guide for Your Nutrition Diet

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 3 million Americans are affected by celiac disease, and countless others manage gluten sensitivities [source needed, though a fact about prevalence is easily established]. For individuals on a gluten-free diet, understanding the ingredients in common condiments is essential. A frequent and important query for many is: Does Kikkoman soy sauce have gluten? The answer, in fact, depends entirely on the specific Kikkoman product you are using.

Quick Summary

Regular Kikkoman soy sauce, brewed with wheat, contains gluten and is not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, Kikkoman also produces a separate line of certified gluten-free products, including tamari and soy sauces made without wheat.

Key Points

Regular Kikkoman contains gluten: Standard Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce is made with wheat and is not safe for gluten-free diets.
Certified gluten-free options exist: Kikkoman offers a dedicated line of certified gluten-free soy sauces and tamari, free from wheat.
Check the label for the GFCO seal: Look for explicit 'Gluten-Free' labeling and the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) seal to ensure a product is safe.
Tamari is not always gluten-free: While often made without wheat, some tamari products can contain gluten, so always check the specific product label.
Ingredient list verification is key: A certified gluten-free Kikkoman soy sauce will list rice instead of wheat in its ingredients.
Flavor is not compromised: Kikkoman’s gluten-free varieties are naturally brewed to replicate the savory taste of the original, making for a seamless substitution.

The Truth About Regular Kikkoman Soy Sauce

For centuries, the traditional method of brewing soy sauce has involved four primary ingredients: water, soybeans, salt, and wheat. Kikkoman's classic "Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce" follows this time-honored recipe, meaning it is not gluten-free and contains a significant amount of wheat. The wheat is used during the fermentation process, and while much of it is broken down, traces of gluten remain in the final product. Therefore, anyone with celiac disease, a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy should avoid the standard, green-capped Kikkoman soy sauce.

Ingredients in Standard Kikkoman Soy Sauce

Water
Soybeans
Wheat
Salt

Kikkoman's Gluten-Free Alternatives

Recognizing the growing demand for gluten-free products, Kikkoman has developed a range of certified gluten-free soy sauces. These products are specially formulated to offer the same rich, savory taste as the original but without the wheat. Instead of wheat, these products often use a mixture of water, soybeans, rice, and salt. Kikkoman's gluten-free offerings are clearly labeled and certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), providing assurance to consumers. It is crucial for consumers to look for this specific certification when purchasing.

Kikkoman's Gluten-Free Product Line Includes:

Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Soy Sauce: This product is naturally brewed with water, soybeans, rice, and salt.
Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Tamari Soy Sauce: Tamari is a type of soy sauce traditionally brewed with little or no wheat. Kikkoman's gluten-free version is made entirely without wheat.
Kikkoman® 50% Less Sodium Gluten-Free Tamari Soy Sauce: A lower-sodium version of their gluten-free tamari.

Navigating Your Soy Sauce Choices on a Gluten-Free Diet

Making an informed decision requires more than just knowing that a gluten-free option exists. You need to know how to identify it on the shelf and understand the subtle differences in products.

Reading Labels: Your First Line of Defense

Always check the label, even on products you think you know. Manufacturers can change ingredients, or packaging can be misleading. Look for clear phrases like "Gluten-Free" and the official GFCO certification seal on the front of the bottle. The ingredients list is another key indicator; a gluten-free sauce will not list wheat as an ingredient.

Tamari vs. Soy Sauce: Key Distinctions for Gluten-Free Diets

Traditionally, tamari is made with a higher proportion of soybeans and little to no wheat, while standard soy sauce (shoyu) is made with a more balanced mix of soybeans and wheat. However, this traditional distinction is not a guarantee of a gluten-free product. Always verify with the label. While many tamari sauces are naturally gluten-free, some brands (including Kikkoman's non-gluten-free tamari) may add a small amount of wheat for flavor. Sticking to the certified gluten-free product is the safest bet.

Comparison Table: Regular vs. Certified Gluten-Free Kikkoman Soy Sauce


Feature	Regular Kikkoman Soy Sauce	Certified Gluten-Free Kikkoman Soy Sauce
Key Ingredients	Water, soybeans, wheat, salt	Water, soybeans, rice, salt
Contains Gluten?	Yes	No
Packaging Identifier	Standard green cap and label	Specific label indicating "Gluten-Free" and GFCO seal
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets	Suitable for celiac and gluten-sensitive diets
Flavor Profile	Balanced, traditional soy sauce flavor	A rich, savory flavor, similar to the original

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Nutrition Diet

For those on a gluten-free nutrition diet, the definitive answer to 'Does Kikkoman soy sauce have gluten?' is that their standard variety does, but their specifically labeled, certified gluten-free products do not. By carefully reading product labels and looking for the certified gluten-free seal, you can confidently choose the right Kikkoman product for your dietary needs. This small but important step ensures that your meals remain both delicious and safe.

To learn more about celiac disease and managing a gluten-free diet, consider exploring resources like the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, regular Kikkoman soy sauce is not suitable for a gluten-free diet. It is brewed using wheat, which contains gluten.

To identify a gluten-free Kikkoman product, look for clear labeling on the bottle that says "Gluten-Free" and features the certified GFCO seal.

The main difference is the ingredients used in the brewing process. The regular version uses wheat, while the gluten-free version uses rice instead, along with soybeans, water, and salt.

Not all Kikkoman Tamari is gluten-free. While the company offers a certified 'Gluten-Free Tamari Soy Sauce,' some of its other tamari products may contain a small amount of wheat. Always check for the specific gluten-free certification.

Yes, Kikkoman's certified gluten-free products are safe for individuals with celiac disease. They are tested to contain less than 10ppm of gluten, meeting certification standards.

The ingredients in Kikkoman's certified gluten-free soy sauce are water, soybeans, rice, and salt, with no wheat added.

Yes, in addition to soy sauce and tamari, Kikkoman offers a variety of other certified gluten-free products, such as specific teriyaki marinades and hoisin sauces.