Is Kikkoman Teriyaki Gluten Free? Understanding the Labels

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

While many traditional teriyaki sauces contain wheat-based soy sauce and are not gluten-free, Kikkoman specifically offers a certified gluten-free teriyaki marinade and sauce. It is crucial to check the label for the specific 'Gluten-Free' certification, as the brand’s regular teriyaki is not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

The standard Kikkoman teriyaki sauce is not gluten-free because it contains wheat in its soy sauce base. However, the company produces a clearly labeled, wheat-free teriyaki sauce that is safe for gluten-free diets, including for individuals with celiac disease. Consumers must carefully read product labels to distinguish between the gluten-containing and gluten-free versions.

Key Points

Standard Kikkoman Contains Gluten: The original Kikkoman teriyaki sauce is not safe for gluten-free diets because it is made with traditional soy sauce that contains wheat.
Certified Gluten-Free Option Exists: Kikkoman produces a specific 'Gluten-Free Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce' that is certified and labeled for gluten-free consumers.
Always Read the Label: To ensure safety, confirm that the product explicitly states 'Gluten-Free' and look for certification seals from organizations like the Gluten Intolerance Group.
Base Ingredient Difference: The key distinction is that the gluten-free version is made with a wheat-free soy sauce (similar to tamari), while the original uses a wheat-based one.
Homemade is a Safe Bet: For complete control and peace of mind, a simple, homemade gluten-free teriyaki sauce can be prepared using tamari or coconut aminos.

Kikkoman's Teriyaki: A Tale of Two Sauces

For many, Kikkoman is a household name synonymous with high-quality Asian sauces. However, when it comes to following a gluten-free diet, not all Kikkoman products are created equal. The answer to 'Is Kikkoman teriyaki gluten free?' is not a simple yes or no, but rather depends on which product you're holding. The brand's traditional teriyaki sauce contains soy sauce brewed with wheat, making it unsuitable for those avoiding gluten. Conversely, Kikkoman produces a dedicated 'Gluten-Free Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce' that is made without wheat and is safe for celiacs and those with gluten sensitivities.

Decoding the Labels: Spotting the Difference

Understanding the subtle variations in product labeling is key for safe gluten-free cooking. Kikkoman's original teriyaki sauce will list wheat as an ingredient, a clear indicator that it is off-limits. Their gluten-free counterpart, however, is formulated with a specially brewed, wheat-free soy sauce made from soybeans, water, and rice, and is certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) of North America. Always look for a prominent 'Gluten-Free' label or the Crossed Grain symbol on the packaging to be certain.

Here are some quick guidelines for checking a Kikkoman teriyaki label:

Original Teriyaki: Look for a standard ingredients list that includes soy sauce, which is brewed with wheat. This version is not gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce: Look for explicit 'Gluten-Free' text on the front of the bottle. The ingredient list will specify 'gluten free soy sauce' or similar wording.
Cross-Contamination Warnings: Even if ingredients seem safe, always check for 'may contain' or 'made in a facility' warnings for added safety, especially for severe allergies or celiac disease.

Gluten-Free Alternatives: What to Look For

If you can't find Kikkoman's specific gluten-free version, or if you prefer another brand, several excellent alternatives exist. When purchasing any teriyaki sauce, prioritize those that use tamari or coconut aminos as their base instead of traditional soy sauce.

Comparison of Teriyaki Sauces


Feature	Kikkoman Original Teriyaki	Kikkoman Gluten-Free Teriyaki	Homemade Gluten-Free Teriyaki
Gluten Content	Contains wheat; NOT gluten-free	Gluten-Free	Gluten-Free, if made with tamari
Soy Sauce Base	Traditional wheat-based soy sauce	Rice-based gluten-free soy sauce	Tamari or Coconut Aminos
Ingredients	Soy sauce, sugar, wine, vinegar, garlic, spices	GF soy sauce, sugar, wine, vinegar, garlic, spices	Tamari, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, cornstarch
Certification	No	Certified by GFCO and GIG	Dependent on ingredient sourcing
Availability	Wide	Widely available in many grocery stores	Requires fresh ingredients; time to make

Crafting Your Own Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

For ultimate control over ingredients and flavor, making your own teriyaki sauce at home is a simple and rewarding process. A homemade sauce ensures no cross-contamination and allows for customization to suit dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Simple Homemade Recipe

Ingredients:
- ½ cup gluten-free tamari
- ¼ cup brown sugar or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients except cornstarch and water in a small saucepan.
2. Whisk together cornstarch and water in a separate small bowl to create a slurry.
3. Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, then add the cornstarch slurry.
4. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Conclusion: Read Labels, Stay Informed

The central takeaway is that while standard Kikkoman teriyaki sauce is not gluten-free, a dedicated and clearly labeled gluten-free version is available. For those with celiac disease or significant sensitivities, vigilance is paramount. Always check the ingredients list and look for certification labels to ensure the product is safe. Alternatively, a simple homemade recipe offers complete control and peace of mind. By staying informed, you can enjoy the rich, savory flavor of teriyaki without compromising your dietary health.

For more information on gluten-free food labeling standards and safe shopping practices, consult the official website of the Gluten Intolerance Group.

Is Kikkoman Teriyaki Gluten Free?

Yes and No: The standard Kikkoman teriyaki contains wheat-based soy sauce and is not gluten-free, while a specific 'Gluten-Free' version is safe.
Check the Label: Always look for the 'Gluten-Free' certification or the Crossed Grain symbol on the product packaging.
Use Tamari: The gluten-free version of Kikkoman uses a tamari-like, wheat-free soy sauce base.
Homemade Option: Making your own teriyaki with tamari or coconut aminos is a guaranteed way to control ingredients and avoid gluten.
Celiac Safe: The certified gluten-free Kikkoman teriyaki is explicitly made for people with celiac disease and gluten allergies.
Soy is NOT Gluten: Be aware that while soy sauce typically contains gluten, tamari is often a gluten-free soy-based product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the standard, regular Kikkoman teriyaki sauce contains wheat because it is made with a traditionally brewed soy sauce base that includes wheat as a primary ingredient.

Yes, Kikkoman produces a specific 'Gluten-Free Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce' that is made without wheat and is certified gluten-free, making it suitable for people with celiac disease.

Traditional teriyaki sauce is typically not gluten-free because it uses regular soy sauce as its base, which is fermented with both soybeans and wheat.

The gluten-free version will have a distinct label explicitly stating 'Gluten-Free' on the front, often accompanied by a certification symbol like the Crossed Grain logo.

Tamari is often gluten-free and used as a soy sauce alternative in gluten-free products, but it is important to always check the label, as some brands may include small amounts of wheat.

The main difference is the soy sauce base. The gluten-free version is made with a naturally brewed soy sauce that uses rice instead of wheat, unlike the standard variety.

Yes, you can easily make a homemade version using gluten-free ingredients like tamari or coconut aminos, combined with other staples like maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.