What Are the Ingredients in Lawry's Teriyaki Marinade?
An investigation into what are the ingredients in Lawry's teriyaki marinade? shows a blend of natural flavorings and chemical preservatives designed for convenience and shelf stability. For a detailed list of ingredients, please refer to the product information available on {Link: PDL Cayman https://pdl-m3.pdl.com.ky/product-details/-/o/ecom-item/002150004802} or {Link: Lawry's website https://shop.susanvillesupermarket.com/store/susanville-supermarket/products/41016-lawry-s-teriyaki-with-pineapple-juice-marinade-12-fl-oz}. It is important to note that the presence of soy sauce, which contains wheat, makes this particular marinade unsuitable for individuals with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Another variant, the Honey Teriyaki, substitutes pineapple juice for honey but retains many of the same foundational components.
The Nutritional Implications of Convenience
For many, a bottled marinade is a quick way to add flavor to meals. However, relying on these processed products often means accepting a less-than-ideal nutritional profile. Lawry's Teriyaki is a prime example, with significant levels of sodium and sugar that can be a concern for a balanced diet.
High Sodium Content
With 570mg of sodium per tablespoon, a single serving of Lawry's provides over a quarter of the recommended daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Excessive sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues, so portion control is critical when using commercial marinades.
Added Sugars
Sugar is listed as the third ingredient and a single tablespoon contains 3 grams of added sugar. This sweet flavor is part of teriyaki's appeal but can quickly add up, especially for those on a low-sugar diet. The combination of pineapple juice and added sugar creates a high-sugar flavor profile that can influence blood sugar levels and overall calorie intake.
Additives and Preservatives
Lawry's marinade relies on modified corn starch and xanthan gum for its texture and thickeners. Potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate are also included as chemical preservatives to extend shelf life. While these additives are generally recognized as safe by food authorities, they are not present in a whole-foods-based, homemade version. For those who prefer to avoid processed ingredients, making your own marinade is a simple solution.
Homemade vs. Lawry's Teriyaki: A Nutritional Comparison
Choosing between a store-bought marinade and a homemade one is a matter of weighing convenience against nutritional control. This table highlights some of the key differences:
| Feature | Lawry's Teriyaki with Pineapple Juice | Homemade Healthy Teriyaki Marinade |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | A blend including soy sauce (with wheat), pineapple juice, sugar, salt, vinegars, starches, colorings, sherry, citric acid, spices, thickeners, and preservatives | A healthier blend typically includes low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), pineapple juice, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, and optional sesame oil |
| Gluten-Free | No (contains wheat in soy sauce) | Yes (if using tamari or coconut aminos) |
| Sodium Control | High (570mg per tbsp) | Variable (controlled by using low-sodium soy sauce or alternatives) |
| Sugar Source | Refined white sugar, pineapple juice | Honey or maple syrup, pineapple juice |
| Preservatives | Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate | None (limited shelf life) |
A Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Marinade Recipe
Creating your own teriyaki marinade is straightforward and allows for complete control over the ingredients, sodium, and sugar content. Here is a simple recipe for a flavorful and healthier alternative:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water (for thickening, if desired)
Directions:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, pineapple juice, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic over medium heat. Bring to a low simmer.
- If you want a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sesame oil. Allow to cool completely before using to marinate meat or vegetables.
Making Informed Choices for a Healthy Diet
Understanding the components of processed foods like Lawry's teriyaki marinade is a crucial step towards better nutrition. By comparing it with a homemade alternative, you can see how minor adjustments can lead to significant health benefits. The power lies in making conscious food choices that align with your dietary goals, whether it's reducing sodium, cutting down on added sugars, or avoiding additives.
Conclusion
In answering the question, what are the ingredients in Lawry's teriyaki marinade?, it becomes clear that while it offers convenience, it is a high-sodium, high-sugar product with added preservatives. For those on a nutrition diet focused on healthier, whole-food ingredients, a homemade version is a superior choice. Creating your own marinade is simple, giving you full control over the flavor and nutritional value of your meals, and is a small but impactful step toward healthier eating habits.
An authoritative source on healthy eating and diet can be found on the {Link: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health website https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/}.
