Is Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce Gluten Free? A Guide to Hidden Ingredients

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, approximately 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, making the search for gluten-free foods crucial. For those with gluten sensitivities, a common concern is whether mandarin teriyaki sauce is gluten free, as many commercial brands use wheat-based soy sauce.

Quick Summary

Most commercially produced mandarin teriyaki sauces contain wheat-based soy sauce and other potential gluten ingredients. Reading labels for 'certified gluten-free' products is essential, and safer alternatives like tamari or coconut aminos can be used.

Key Points

Common Culprit: Most mandarin teriyaki sauces are not gluten-free because they contain wheat-based soy sauce.
Look for Certified Labels: The most reliable way to find a safe product is to look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label on the packaging.
Hidden Ingredients: Watch out for hidden gluten in ingredients like modified food starch, maltodextrin, and some caramel colors.
Safe Alternatives: Tamari and coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free substitutes for soy sauce when making homemade teriyaki.
Reputable Brands: Brands like San-J, Coconut Secret, and Primal Kitchen offer verified gluten-free teriyaki sauce options.
Prevent Cross-Contamination: Always be mindful of cross-contamination in shared kitchens and when dining out.

Why Most Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce is Not Gluten-Free

For many, mandarin teriyaki sauce adds a delightful sweet and savory flavor to meals. However, the seemingly innocent sauce poses a significant risk for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The primary reason is the inclusion of traditional soy sauce, which is typically brewed with wheat. This wheat component means that most store-bought teriyaki sauces, including the mandarin varieties, are not safe for a gluten-free diet.

The Soy Sauce Problem

Soy sauce is a fundamental ingredient in teriyaki sauce. Standard soy sauce is made from a combination of soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. The wheat is a key component in the fermentation process that gives soy sauce its characteristic flavor. Even a small amount of wheat is enough to cause a reaction in sensitive individuals. Furthermore, some sauces may contain other gluten-based thickeners or flavorings, adding to the risk of gluten exposure.

Common Hidden Gluten Ingredients

Modified Food Starch: While this can be derived from gluten-free sources like corn, it is frequently wheat-based. Unless the label specifies the source, it's best to be cautious.
Maltodextrin: Another ingredient that can be corn or wheat-derived. Like modified food starch, the source is critical.
Caramel Color: Certain types of caramel color can be derived from barley malt, which contains gluten.
Natural Flavors: The origin of 'natural flavors' can be obscure, and they may sometimes contain gluten-derived ingredients.

How to Find a Truly Gluten-Free Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce

Navigating the grocery store for a safe sauce can be daunting, but several key strategies can help you find a truly gluten-free product.

Check for 'Certified Gluten-Free' Labels: This is the most reliable indicator. Products with this certification have been tested by a third-party organization to meet FDA standards of less than 20 ppm gluten.
Read the Ingredients List: Always read the full ingredients list on the back of the bottle. Look for clear indications of a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, such as tamari, or explicitly wheat-free soy sauce.
Research Specific Brands: Some brands specialize in gluten-free products and are a safer bet. Brands like San-J, Coconut Secret, and Clearspring offer gluten-free teriyaki sauce options.

Comparison of Sauce Types


Sauce Type	Primary Base	Gluten Status	Notes
Traditional Teriyaki	Wheat-based Soy Sauce	NOT Gluten-Free	Contains wheat, unsafe for celiac disease.
Tamari	Fermented Soybeans	Often Gluten-Free	Many brands are 100% wheat-free; check labels carefully.
Coconut Aminos	Coconut Tree Sap	Gluten & Soy-Free	A naturally gluten and soy-free alternative.
Certified GF Teriyaki	Tamari or GF Soy Sauce	Certified Gluten-Free	Third-party tested, safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Mandarin Teriyaki Sauce

For ultimate control and to avoid any cross-contamination risks, making your own sauce at home is the best solution. The process is straightforward and allows you to customize the flavors to your preference.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup tamari (certified gluten-free) or coconut aminos
1/4 cup fresh mandarin or orange juice
1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients except the cornstarch over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry.
Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce and whisk continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to whether mandarin teriyaki sauce is gluten free is a nuanced one. Most standard versions are not, due to the wheat content in traditional soy sauce. However, with careful label reading, brand research, and the option to make a delicious homemade version, those on a gluten-free diet can still enjoy the sweet and savory taste of teriyaki sauce. Always prioritize certified gluten-free products and be aware of potential hidden gluten in ingredient lists to ensure your culinary creations are safe and delicious. By taking these steps, you can enjoy all the flavor without any of the gluten-related health concerns.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

Even with a certified gluten-free sauce, cross-contamination is a risk, especially when dining out or sharing a kitchen. Always communicate your dietary needs clearly and use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces when preparing gluten-free food. This vigilance is key to preventing accidental gluten exposure.

List of GF Alternatives

Here are a few popular and reliable gluten-free alternatives to traditional teriyaki sauce:

Tamari: The most common and closest alternative to soy sauce, often naturally gluten-free.
Coconut Aminos: A soy-free and gluten-free liquid derived from coconut tree sap, with a similar flavor profile.
San-J Teriyaki Sauce: Offers a certified gluten-free teriyaki sauce, widely available in many stores.
Primal Kitchen Teriyaki Sauce & Marinade: A Paleo-friendly, gluten-free, and soy-free option made with coconut aminos.
Clearspring Organic Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce: An organic, certified gluten-free sauce available in some markets.

Tip: When shopping, make it a habit to check the allergen statement on the packaging, which must declare the presence of major allergens like wheat under FDA regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while most traditional soy sauce is brewed with wheat and therefore contains gluten, there are safe alternatives. Tamari is often a gluten-free option, and some brands produce soy sauce explicitly without wheat.

Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce variety made with fermented soybeans. While it is often wheat-free, it is crucial to check the label for a 'certified gluten-free' designation, as some brands may add a small amount of wheat.

Not necessarily. 'Wheat-free' does not guarantee a product is free of all gluten-containing grains, such as barley, which is sometimes used in caramel coloring or other flavorings. A 'certified gluten-free' label is the only foolproof indicator.

Coconut aminos are a soy-free and naturally gluten-free sauce made from the fermented sap of the coconut tree. They are a suitable substitute for soy sauce, though they have a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.

Yes, pure mandarin or citrus extract is naturally gluten-free. The risk comes from other ingredients in the teriyaki sauce, particularly the soy sauce base, not the mandarin flavoring itself.

In addition to modified food starch, some sauces use wheat flour as a thickener. Always check the ingredients list for these additions.

Yes, making your own teriyaki sauce at home using certified gluten-free ingredients like tamari or coconut aminos is the safest option. It gives you full control over every ingredient and eliminates cross-contamination risks.