Nutrition Diet: Is there oyster sauce without sugar?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2016 report by Consumer.org.hk, some condiments contain a surprising amount of sugar, with some oyster sauces having as much as 26.2g of sugars per 100g. This raises a critical question for many on a healthy nutrition diet: Is there oyster sauce without sugar? Fortunately, the answer is yes, and there are several excellent low-sugar and no-sugar options available, from store-bought varieties to simple homemade recipes.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the availability of sugar-free and low-carb oyster sauce options for different diets. It covers commercial products, easy homemade recipes, and discusses vegetarian mushroom-based alternatives. A comparison of these healthy sauce choices helps home cooks make informed decisions for savory, health-conscious meals.

Key Points

Availability of Sugar-Free Options: Yes, sugar-free oyster sauce is available from brands catering to keto, low-carb, and diabetic-friendly diets.
Read the Label: Always check the nutritional information, even for sauces claiming to be 'healthy' or 'low-sugar,' as sugar content can vary significantly.
Vegan Alternatives: Vegetarian 'oyster' sauces, primarily made from shiitake mushrooms, offer a rich, umami flavor without shellfish, and many are also sugar-free.
Homemade is an Option: You can easily create a custom sugar-free oyster sauce at home using dried mushrooms, soy sauce or coconut aminos, and cornstarch for thickening.
Ingredient Awareness: Be mindful of other ingredients like MSG, artificial flavors, and thickeners in commercial products. Homemade versions offer the cleanest ingredient profile.
Substitute with Care: Other substitutes like hoisin or fish sauce have different flavor profiles and may also contain added sugars. Always verify ingredients and adjust recipes accordingly.

The Hidden Sugars in Standard Oyster Sauce

For many health-conscious individuals, the presence of added sugars in everyday pantry items like oyster sauce is a primary concern. Traditional oyster sauce is made from oyster extract, sugar, salt, and water, with sugar being a key ingredient to balance the salty, umami flavor. The amount of added sugar can vary significantly between brands, with some commercial varieties being surprisingly high in sugar content. This can disrupt diets like keto or impact blood sugar levels for diabetics, making it essential to find healthier alternatives.

Why Traditional Oyster Sauce Contains Sugar

The sugar in oyster sauce serves multiple purposes, but primarily it is a flavour enhancer and thickener. It helps to create that distinctive glossy finish and complex sweet-and-savoury profile. While many recipes call for only a small amount, a few tablespoons can quickly add unnecessary carbs to a meal. For those meticulously tracking macros or managing sugar intake, understanding the ingredients is the first step toward a healthier diet.

Finding Commercial Sugar-Free and Low-Sugar Oyster Sauces

In response to growing health trends, several brands have introduced sugar-free and low-carb oyster sauce products. These are specifically formulated for diets like keto and are a convenient option for those who want a quick, healthy solution without compromising on flavor.

Keto Kusina Oyster Sauce: This brand offers a sugar-free, low-carb, and diabetic-friendly oyster sauce. It's also vegan, made with plant-based ingredients and contains zero MSG or artificial preservatives.
VIVID KITCHEN Oyster Sauce: This brand offers a zero-sugar and low-calorie oyster sauce option. It's promoted as a healthier choice for clean eating without sacrificing authentic Asian flavor.
Konjac Delights UAE: This company provides a sugar-free oyster sauce, claiming full-bodied, savory taste without added sugar, MSG, or artificial ingredients.

When purchasing a store-bought version, always read the nutrition label carefully. Even some vegetarian mushroom sauces might contain added sugar, so checking the ingredient list is crucial.

Homemade: A DIY Sugar-Free Oyster Sauce Recipe

Making your own sugar-free oyster sauce at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and nutritional content. A popular and effective method involves using dried shiitake mushrooms for a rich, umami flavour base.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms
2 cups water
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
1 tbsp cornstarch
Natural sweetener of choice (optional, e.g., allulose or dates)
Salt to taste

Instructions:

Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in 2 cups of water for at least 30 minutes, until soft.
Remove the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid. Finely chop the mushrooms.
In a saucepan, combine the mushroom water, low-sodium soy sauce, and chopped mushrooms.
Simmer for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water. Stir the slurry into the saucepan to thicken the sauce.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and add your preferred natural sweetener if needed.

Vegetarian and Vegan Mushroom Sauces

For those who are vegetarian, vegan, or have shellfish allergies, mushroom-based sauces are the ideal substitute. These sauces replicate the deep umami flavour of oyster sauce using ingredients like shiitake mushroom extract. Many commercial vegetarian oyster sauces are available, though it's important to check the sugar content.

Alternatively, a simple blend of ingredients can create a fantastic vegan version:

Miso Paste and Soy Sauce: Mixing dark miso paste with a little soy sauce provides a rich, savory flavour similar to oyster sauce.
Hoisin Sauce: While typically sweeter than oyster sauce, hoisin sauce has a similar consistency and can be balanced with other savory ingredients to replicate the flavour profile.

Choosing the Healthiest Option for Your Diet

Deciding on the right oyster sauce alternative depends on your specific dietary needs. Always check labels, and be mindful of sodium content as well as sugar. For the greatest control over ingredients, a homemade version is best. However, for convenience, there are now many excellent low-sugar and no-sugar commercial options available.

Comparison of Healthy Oyster Sauce Options


Feature	Traditional Oyster Sauce	Store-Bought Sugar-Free	Homemade Mushroom Sauce
Sugar Content	Often high, varies by brand	Zero or very low, typically uses sweeteners	Zero, completely controlled by ingredients
Ingredients	Oyster extract, sugar, salt, thickeners	Plant-based ingredients, natural sweeteners	Shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, cornstarch
Flavor Profile	Sweet, salty, deeply umami	Savory, umami, with a taste from the sweetener	Rich, earthy, and umami from mushrooms
Convenience	High	High	Low, requires preparation
Dietary Suitability	Less suitable for keto, low-carb, or diabetic diets	Suitable for keto, low-carb, and diabetic diets	Suitable for vegan, vegetarian, keto, and low-carb
Allergens	Contains shellfish	Check label for specific allergens	Shellfish-free, check for soy or other ingredients

Conclusion: Savory Flavor Without the Sugar

For those committed to a healthier nutrition diet, the search for a sugar-free oyster sauce is a valid and addressable concern. The good news is that the food market has evolved to offer multiple solutions. Whether you opt for a readily available commercial product from a brand like Keto Kusina or prefer the complete control of a homemade mushroom-based recipe, you can easily find ways to incorporate that familiar savory, umami flavor into your cooking. By reading labels and exploring the many alternatives, you can ensure your meals are both healthy and delicious, free from unwanted added sugar.

For more information on Asian cuisine and healthy alternatives, consult reputable food blogs and culinary resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial sugar-free oyster sauce is typically made from oyster extract (or mushroom extract for vegan versions), salt, thickeners, and natural sweeteners like allulose to replace the sugar found in traditional versions.

Some keto oyster sauces, like those from Keto Kusina, are also plant-based and vegan-friendly, often made with shiitake mushrooms instead of oysters. However, always check the label as not all keto products are vegan.

An excellent homemade substitute can be made by simmering dried shiitake mushrooms in water, then combining the infused liquid with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos, and a cornstarch slurry for thickening.

You can use alternatives like a blend of miso paste and soy sauce for a savory, umami flavor. Other options include fish sauce (though saltier) or specific vegan mushroom sauces.

No, vegetarian or mushroom-based oyster sauce is not always sugar-free. Many commercial brands contain sugar for flavour balance, so it is important to read the ingredients list carefully to confirm it meets your dietary needs.

The umami flavour in sugar-free versions comes from ingredients like oyster extract or concentrated shiitake mushroom extract. Brands may use natural sweeteners such as allulose or stevia, or simply rely on the savory ingredients for a balanced taste.

Coconut aminos can be used as a sugar-free, soy-free alternative. While it provides a sweet and savoury flavour, it is thinner and lacks the complexity of traditional oyster sauce. You can enhance it with mushroom broth to get a richer, more authentic flavour profile.