Is there a vegan version of Worcestershire sauce?

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Traditional Worcestershire sauce is not vegan because it contains anchovies, a fact that surprises many. However, for those on a plant-based diet or with fish allergies, the good news is that yes, there is a vegan version of Worcestershire sauce available in stores and easy to make at home.

Quick Summary

Vegan alternatives to traditional Worcestershire sauce are widely available, swapping anchovies with ingredients like soy sauce, tamari, or mushrooms to create a rich, savory flavor. These fish-free sauces are perfect for adding depth to a variety of plant-based dishes, from marinades to gravies.

Key Points

Anchovies are the non-vegan ingredient: Traditional Worcestershire sauce is not vegan due to the inclusion of fermented anchovies for its umami flavor.
Vegan versions are widely available: Many brands, including 365 Organic, The Wizard's, and Annie's, offer fish-free, vegan alternatives.
Soy or tamari replaces the fish: Vegan recipes use fermented soy products like soy sauce or tamari, along with spices, to replicate the salty, savory flavor.
Homemade is easy and cost-effective: A simple recipe using common pantry ingredients like vinegar, soy sauce, and spices can produce a flavorful vegan Worcestershire sauce at home.
Versatile for plant-based cooking: Vegan Worcestershire sauce is a useful flavor booster for a variety of plant-based dishes, including marinades, gravies, dressings, and stews.

The Non-Vegan Ingredient in Traditional Worcestershire

Traditionally, Worcestershire sauce is a fermented liquid condiment with a complex, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. While the exact recipes are often proprietary secrets, a standard ingredient list includes vinegar, molasses, sugar, salt, tamarind extract, onions, and garlic. The crucial ingredient that makes it non-vegan, however, is anchovies or fish sauce, which gives the traditional condiment its deep, umami-rich taste. Fermented anchovies are integral to the classic Lea & Perrins' formula, a detail that many diners only recently discovered.

Store-Bought Vegan Worcestershire Sauces

For those seeking a convenient, ready-made option, numerous brands have introduced anchovy-free Worcestershire sauce. These versions replace the fish-based flavor with other fermented and savory ingredients, such as tamari or shiitake mushrooms, to mimic the signature umami taste. Many of these products are clearly labeled as 'vegan' or 'fish-free' to help consumers make an informed choice.

Popular Vegan Worcestershire Brands

365 Organic (Whole Foods): This affordable option is widely available and a reliable choice for organic, plant-based seasoning.
The Wizard's Organic: Known for its flavorful, high-quality sauce that is both vegan and gluten-free, using tamari and shiitake mushrooms for a rich flavor.
Annie's: A well-known brand offering a fish-free Worcestershire option that is often easier to find in standard grocery stores.
Haddar (Kosher): Specializing in kosher products, Haddar offers an imitation Worcestershire sauce that is vegan and fish-free.
Biona Organic (UK): A popular choice in the UK, this sauce is specifically approved by the Vegetarian and Vegan Society.

Making Your Own Vegan Worcestershire Sauce

If store-bought versions aren't available or you prefer to control your ingredients, a homemade vegan Worcestershire sauce is simple to prepare and keeps well in the refrigerator. The recipe relies on pantry staples to replicate the complex flavor profile.

Simple Homemade Recipe

Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking to dissolve the sugar.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool completely.
5. Transfer the finished sauce to an airtight container or bottle and refrigerate. It can last for several months.

Traditional vs. Vegan Worcestershire: A Comparison


Feature	Traditional Worcestershire	Vegan Worcestershire
Key Umami Source	Fermented anchovies	Fermented soy (tamari/soy sauce), mushrooms, or yeast extract
Flavor Profile	Deep, savory, salty, slightly sweet, and tangy with a subtle funk from the fish	Robust, savory, salty, and tangy with a sweetness from molasses or sugar, often less intense than the traditional version
Suitable For Vegans	No	Yes
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores	Available in natural food stores, online, or in the international aisle of larger supermarkets
Common Uses	Marinades for meat, Bloody Marys, and salad dressings	Vegan gravies, stews, Caesar salad dressing, tofu marinades, and veggie burgers
Cost	Varies by brand	Can be slightly more expensive, but homemade versions are very cost-effective

Uses for Vegan Worcestershire Sauce

Vegan Worcestershire sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate the flavor of countless plant-based dishes. A few drops add a savory depth to soups and stews, while a larger amount can form the base for a flavorful gravy or marinade. It's particularly useful for giving veggie burgers or lentil loafs that coveted "meaty" flavor. For drinks, it’s an essential component of a vegan Bloody Mary. The sauce's tangy kick also works wonders in salad dressings and barbecue sauces. The possibilities for using this flavor-enhancer in your plant-based kitchen are endless.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question, "is there a vegan version of Worcestershire sauce?" is definitively answered with a resounding yes. While the traditional version relies on anchovies for its characteristic umami taste, several readily available store-bought brands and simple homemade recipes provide a fish-free alternative that captures the same complex flavor profile. By using ingredients like tamari, molasses, and savory spices, vegan Worcestershire sauce ensures that those following a plant-based diet can still enjoy this classic condiment in their favorite meals, from marinades and dressings to gravies and stews. Whether you buy it or make it yourself, this savory sauce is a key ingredient for adding a boost of flavor to any plant-forward dish. For more vegan culinary tips, explore the resources available at Vegan in the Freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional Worcestershire sauce is not vegan because it is made with anchovies, a small fish that is fermented to provide a deep, savory, and umami flavor.

Instead of anchovies, vegan Worcestershire sauce uses plant-based ingredients to achieve a similar umami flavor, such as soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free versions), tamarind paste, and a mix of savory spices.

Yes, many large supermarket chains carry vegan Worcestershire sauce. You can look for brands like Annie's or the store's own organic brand, such as 365 from Whole Foods Market.

To confirm if a Worcestershire sauce is vegan, check the ingredient list for anchovies or fish sauce. Many vegan products will also be clearly labeled as 'vegan' or 'fish-free' on the bottle.

Vegan Worcestershire sauce has a very similar savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile to the traditional version. However, since it lacks anchovies, the specific flavor notes may differ slightly depending on the brand or recipe.

You can make homemade vegan Worcestershire sauce by simmering ingredients like apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, molasses, and a blend of spices such as mustard powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. The sauce can then be strained and refrigerated.

Vegan Worcestershire sauce is a versatile ingredient used to add depth and umami to plant-based dishes. It can be used in marinades for tofu or vegetables, in gravies and stews, in salad dressings, or to flavor veggie burgers and lentil loaves.