How Much Sugar Is in Sweet Onion Teriyaki Sauce?

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a standard two-tablespoon serving of Subway's sweet onion teriyaki sauce contains 15 grams of total sugar, all of which are added sugars. This high concentration is common in many sweet teriyaki-style sauces and can contribute significantly to daily sugar intake.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in sweet onion teriyaki sauce is often surprisingly high due to added sweeteners used to balance its savory components. The exact amount varies by brand, but many commercial versions contain over 10 grams of sugar per serving, driving up calories and added sugar intake.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: A standard 2-tablespoon serving of popular sweet onion teriyaki sauce, like Subway's, contains around 15 grams of total sugar, which is entirely added sugar.
Sugar's Function: The high sugar level is used to balance the sauce's salty soy base, create a desirable glaze, and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Brand Variation: Sugar content differs significantly between brands; some teriyaki marinades can have as little as 2-3 grams per tablespoon, while thick glazes are much higher.
Homemade Advantage: Making your own sweet onion teriyaki sauce allows for full control over the sugar content, enabling the use of natural or alternative sweeteners.
Smart Consumption: To reduce sugar intake, consider using smaller portions, diluting the sauce, or exploring commercial low-sugar alternatives.

The Hidden Sugars in Sweet Onion Teriyaki Sauce

Sweet onion teriyaki sauce is a popular condiment for sandwiches, stir-fries, and glazes, known for its distinct sweet and tangy flavor. However, that delightful sweetness comes from a surprisingly large amount of added sugar. While the specific nutrition facts can vary from brand to brand, most commercial sweet onion teriyaki sauces are primarily composed of sweeteners, soy sauce, and seasonings.

Why So Much Sugar? The Role of Sweeteners

In many recipes, sugar acts as more than just a sweetening agent. For sweet onion teriyaki, sweeteners serve several key purposes:

Balancing Saltiness: Teriyaki sauce is heavily based on soy sauce, which is naturally very high in sodium. The sugar helps to counteract this saltiness, creating a more balanced and palatable flavor profile.
Creating Glaze: The sugary composition allows the sauce to caramelize and thicken when heated, forming the classic glossy glaze characteristic of teriyaki chicken and other dishes.
Enhancing Flavor: Sugar brings out and enhances the other flavors in the sauce, such as the ginger, garlic, and onion, creating a more complex and appealing taste.

Comparison of Teriyaki Sauces

Understanding the variation in sugar content among different teriyaki sauces can help you make more informed decisions. Here is a comparison of typical serving sizes for several options:


Brand/Type	Serving Size	Sugar (g)	Notes
Subway Sweet Onion Teriyaki	2 tbsp (38g)	15g	All 15g are added sugars.
General Store-Bought Teriyaki	1 tbsp	3–5g	Brands can vary significantly.
Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade	1 tbsp	4.5g	A standard commercial marinade.
Clearspring Organic Teriyaki	1 tbsp	~2g	A lower-sugar commercial option.
Keto Teriyaki Sauce (Homemade)	Variable	Near 0g	Uses sugar substitutes like monk fruit.

How to Reduce Sugar Intake from Sweet Onion Teriyaki

If you love the flavor of sweet onion teriyaki but are concerned about your sugar consumption, several strategies can help you enjoy it in a healthier way.

Practical Strategies for Lower Sugar Consumption

Measure Portions Carefully: The high sugar content is concentrated in a small serving size. Using just a tablespoon instead of two can significantly cut your sugar intake without sacrificing flavor.
Dilute the Sauce: For marinades and stir-fries, you can stretch the sauce by diluting it with water or a low-sodium broth. This lowers the sugar concentration per serving while maintaining the core flavor.
Choose Lower-Sugar Products: Seek out brands labeled as “low-sugar” or “lite.” Some companies specifically offer products with reduced sugar content to appeal to health-conscious consumers. Alternatively, search for keto-friendly teriyaki sauces that use alternative sweeteners.
Make Your Own Sauce at Home: Creating a homemade version gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can experiment with different natural sweeteners, like a small amount of honey or maple syrup, or use sugar substitutes like monk fruit or erythritol to reduce or eliminate the added sugar. An easy starting point is a Simple Teriyaki Sauce Recipe that you can adapt to your desired sweetness level.

Ingredient Awareness and Selection

Pay close attention to the ingredient list on commercial sauces. Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, so if sugar or corn syrup is one of the first few items, you know it's a primary component. Many manufacturers rely on corn syrup for its low cost and thick texture, but it contributes heavily to the sugar content.

Conclusion

In summary, sweet onion teriyaki sauce, particularly the popular varieties found in fast-food chains and grocery stores, is a significant source of added sugar. While it adds a delicious, craveable flavor to meals, its high sugar content warrants mindfulness, especially for those watching their intake. By controlling portion sizes, choosing reduced-sugar versions, or opting for a homemade recipe, you can enjoy the delicious taste of sweet onion teriyaki without a hefty dose of sugar. Being aware of the nutritional information empowers you to make healthier choices that still satisfy your flavor cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the nutrition facts, Subway's sweet onion teriyaki sauce contains 15 grams of total sugar per standard two-tablespoon serving, all of which are added sugars.

The sugar is used to balance the sauce's high sodium content from soy sauce and to create the signature sweet, sticky glaze. In many commercial brands, inexpensive sweeteners like corn syrup are a primary ingredient.

You can find commercial 'light' or 'keto' teriyaki sauces that use sugar substitutes. Another option is to make a homemade version with sweeteners like monk fruit, erythritol, or a smaller amount of honey or maple syrup.

Most teriyaki sauces, particularly the sweet varieties, contain significant amounts of added sugar. The sweetness is a key component of the flavor profile, and commercial versions often rely on refined sugar or corn syrup.

To reduce sugar at home, you can use less brown sugar or honey than a standard recipe calls for, and substitute with a low-carb sweetener. Using fruit-based sweeteners like prune purée is another alternative.

While both contain sugar, a 'sweet onion' version is generally formulated to be sweeter. Standard teriyaki marinades may have slightly less sugar, but it's essential to check the nutrition labels of both to compare specific brands.

When using the sauce for a marinade or glaze, you can use less of it or dilute it with water or a low-sodium broth. This helps spread the flavor without adding excessive sugar.