Is Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki Gluten-Free?

Most Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki sauces contain soy sauce made with wheat. This means the teriyaki sauce is not a safe choice for those on a gluten-free diet.

Quick Summary

This article determines the gluten-free status of Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki sauce. The article explains why the soy sauce with wheat is unsuitable for a gluten-free diet and provides safe alternatives.

Key Points

• Not Gluten-Free: Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki contains soy sauce made with wheat and is not safe for a gluten-free diet.

• Check Ingredients: The ingredient list clearly shows 'Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt...)' and lists wheat as an allergen.

• Beware of Hidden Gluten: Wheat is a common ingredient in many teriyaki and soy sauces; reading labels is essential.

• Gluten-Free Alternatives Exist: Options like tamari (wheat-free soy sauce), coconut aminos, and store-bought certified gluten-free sauces provide safe substitutes.

• DIY Teriyaki is an Option: Making your own teriyaki sauce at home with gluten-free ingredients is a reliable way to ensure it's safe.

• Don't Assume All Sweet Baby Ray's are Safe: The status varies by product, so always check the label for each item.

Why Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki is Not Gluten-Free

The main reason Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki is not gluten-free is the use of conventional soy sauce. Standard soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and wheat. The product's label lists soy sauce containing wheat, meaning it contains gluten and is not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Allergen warnings confirm that the product contains wheat.

Reading the Ingredient List

To confirm a food product's gluten-free status, you must read the ingredient label. Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki's label lists 'Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt...)'. For a product to be certified gluten-free, it must be free of wheat, barley, and rye, and any ingredients derived from them. The presence of wheat in the soy sauce makes it not gluten-free.

Navigating the World of Teriyaki Sauces

Many teriyaki sauces are not gluten-free because they contain wheat-based soy sauce. However, there is a growing market for gluten-free versions. Manufacturers use alternative ingredients, such as tamari (a soy sauce variant often made without wheat) or coconut aminos.

Common Gluten-Free Alternatives

• Tamari: A Japanese-style soy sauce that is fermented with little to no wheat, and many brands offer a certified gluten-free version.
• Coconut Aminos: A soy-free sauce made from the fermented sap of coconut blossoms, a popular option for those with both soy and gluten sensitivities.
• Certified Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauces: Several brands now formulate and label their teriyaki sauces as gluten-free to cater to this dietary need. Always look for a certified gluten-free label.

Finding Safe, Flavorful Alternatives

For those who love teriyaki but need to avoid gluten, alternatives exist. You can make your teriyaki sauce at home. This allows control of all the ingredients and avoids cross-contamination.

DIY Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

• Ingredients: 1/4 cup gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water.
• Instructions: Combine all ingredients except the cornstarch slurry in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, whisking occasionally. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and use immediately as a marinade or glaze.

Sweet Baby Ray's Product Gluten Status Varies

While the Sweet Teriyaki sauce is not gluten-free, not all Sweet Baby Ray's products are the same. The company's Original Barbecue Sauce is widely reported to be gluten-free, with its modified food starch sourced from corn. However, each product must be evaluated individually by reading its label, as the ingredients vary greatly. The company's foodservice website even lists specific products that are and are not gluten-free, with the Sweet Teriyaki Wing Sauce & Glaze being clearly marked as No.

Comparison of Sweet Baby Ray's vs. Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

Feature	Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki	Certified Gluten-Free Teriyaki	Homemade Gluten-Free Teriyaki
Gluten Status	Not Gluten-Free	Gluten-Free	Gluten-Free (if using safe ingredients)
Primary Gluten Source	Wheat-based soy sauce	None	None (use tamari or coconut aminos)
Labeling	Contains wheat	Certified gluten-free seal	N/A (user-verified)
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores	Available in natural foods stores and specialty sections	Requires sourcing ingredients and preparation
Ingredients	High fructose corn syrup, wheat-based soy sauce, various preservatives	Varies by brand (e.g., tamari, rice-based)	Controlled by the cook; can be customized
Cross-Contamination Risk	High for gluten-sensitive individuals	Minimal	None (if prepared in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen)

Conclusion: Stay Vigilant for Hidden Gluten

Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki is not gluten-free due to its use of wheat-based soy sauce. Those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy should avoid this product. Always read every ingredient label, especially for sauces and marinades where hidden gluten is common. The market offers gluten-free alternatives for those who must adhere to a strict gluten-free lifestyle.

For more information on living gluten-free, including product lists and dietary advice, you can consult reliable resources like the Celiac Disease Foundation.

• Celiac Disease Foundation: https://celiac.org/

Final Recommendations for Gluten-Free Teriyaki

To ensure your meal is safe and delicious, consider these options:

• Purchase Certified Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce: Look for products explicitly labeled with a gluten-free certification mark.
• Make Your Own Sauce: This gives you full control over all ingredients and guarantees no cross-contamination.
• Use Gluten-Free Tamari: When substituting for soy sauce in any recipe, use tamari that is explicitly labeled gluten-free. By following these steps, you can enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of teriyaki worry-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the wheat in Sweet Baby Ray's teriyaki cook out?

No, cooking does not remove gluten from wheat. Any dish prepared with Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki will contain gluten and is not safe.

What is the difference between gluten-free and regular soy sauce?

Regular soy sauce is fermented using wheat, which contains gluten. Gluten-free soy sauce, like tamari, is brewed without wheat or is specifically formulated to be gluten-free.

Are all Sweet Baby Ray's sauces gluten-free?

No, not all Sweet Baby Ray's sauces are gluten-free. While some products, like the Original BBQ Sauce, are formulated without gluten, others, like the Sweet Teriyaki, are not. Check the ingredient label.

Can I use Sweet Baby Ray's Teriyaki if I have a mild gluten sensitivity?

Using Sweet Baby Ray's Teriyaki is not recommended if you have any form of gluten sensitivity. Even trace amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms. Use a certified gluten-free alternative.

Why don't all teriyaki sauces contain wheat?

Many commercial teriyaki sauces use traditional soy sauce, which is brewed with wheat. Gluten-free brands use alternatives like tamari, coconut aminos, or other modified rice-based products to achieve a similar flavor profile without the gluten.

Where can I find certified gluten-free teriyaki sauce?

Certified gluten-free teriyaki sauce can be found in the natural foods aisle of most supermarkets, specialty health food stores, or online. Look for a certified gluten-free seal on the label.

Does the gluten-free status of Sweet Baby Ray's Teriyaki apply to all its variations?

No, across its various versions, including the Wing Sauce & Glaze and the regular marinade, Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet Teriyaki contains wheat-based soy sauce and is therefore not gluten-free. Always check the specific product label to be sure.