Which brand of soy sauce is vegan?

Over 2,200 years old, traditional soy sauce is naturally plant-based, but modern versions can contain non-vegan additives like fish or honey. To confidently answer the question, "which brand of soy sauce is vegan?", you must learn what to look for on the label. This guide will help you identify reliable vegan brands and avoid hidden animal products.

Quick Summary

Many traditional soy sauces are vegan, but some commercial and flavored versions contain animal-derived additives. We examine popular brands like Kikkoman, La Choy, and San-J, highlighting key ingredients to check and clarifying the difference between soy sauce and tamari. Find a list of trustworthy, certified vegan options.

Key Points

• Check the Label: Always read the ingredients list for non-vegan additives like fish sauce, bonito, or honey, which can be found in specialty sauces.

• Traditional Brew is Often Vegan: Most traditionally brewed soy sauces, made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water, are naturally vegan.

• Kikkoman is Largely Vegan: Kikkoman carries vegan certification on many of its main products, including its traditional, less salt, and gluten-free tamari varieties.

• San-J is a Certified Vegan Option: San-J tamari is explicitly certified vegan and often gluten-free, making it a safe choice.

• Tamari is a Reliable Alternative: Tamari, a type of soy sauce, is typically wheat-free and has a rich, bold flavor, and many brands like San-J are certified vegan.

• Be Cautious with "Sweet" or Flavored Sauces: Specialty or glazed products, such as certain teriyaki or sweet soy sauces, are more likely to contain non-vegan ingredients.

• Look for Certified Labels: The most reliable way to confirm is to look for official vegan certification logos on the product packaging.

Understanding Soy Sauce Ingredients and the Vegan Diet

At its core, traditional soy sauce is a naturally fermented product made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. This simple, plant-based formula is what makes most traditionally brewed soy sauces suitable for a vegan diet. The deep, savory umami flavor, which is sometimes mistaken for a fishy taste, is derived entirely from the fermentation process and not from animal products. However, the proliferation of different types and production methods means not all products are created equal. Some cheaper, quick-brewed versions may add non-vegan ingredients for flavor or color, while specialty glazes may explicitly include animal derivatives.

The Brewing Process: A Quick Guide to Ensuring Vegan-Friendly Production

Traditional, naturally brewed soy sauce involves a multi-month process of combining a fermented soybean and wheat mixture with a saltwater brine. It is during this lengthy process that the complex flavors develop. Alternatively, some budget-friendly soy sauces use a quicker, chemical hydrolysis method. While often still vegan, these versions may contain hydrolyzed vegetable protein, caramel coloring, and preservatives, which can be a point of concern for some who prefer naturally sourced products. To avoid chemically-produced sauce, look for labels that explicitly say "naturally brewed".

Identifying Non-Vegan Ingredients and Additives

To confidently answer the question, "which brand of soy sauce is vegan?", one must know what red flags to look for on an ingredient list. Even a quick glance can reveal potential animal-derived components.

Common Non-Vegan Additives to Watch For:

• Fish sauce or anchovy extract: Sometimes added for extra umami depth in certain flavored soy sauces or dipping sauces.
• Bonito flakes (Katsuobushi): A dried, smoked, and fermented fish product often used in Japanese dipping sauces or dressings, sometimes containing a soy sauce base.
• Honey: An animal-derived product sometimes included in sweet soy sauce variations, such as kecap manis.
• Natural Flavors: This term is ambiguous and can, in some cases, be derived from animal sources. Without clarification, it's best to be cautious.

Which Brands of Soy Sauce Are Vegan? A Detailed Comparison

To help navigate the grocery store aisles, here is a comparison of some of the most popular brands and their vegan status. Always check the specific product label, as a brand's offerings can vary.

Brand	Vegan Status	Key Features	Potential Non-Vegan Products	Notes
Kikkoman	Mostly vegan; carries official vegan certification on many products.	Naturally brewed; offers a variety of products, including reduced-sodium and gluten-free versions.	Ponzu sauces sometimes contain fish; Teriyaki BBQ Sauce with Honey is not vegan.	Trusted for many years, though a past animal testing controversy may deter some ethical vegans.
La Choy	Generally vegan, though cross-check labels.	Convenient and budget-friendly; some varieties are labeled gluten-free.	Less traditional brewing methods may be used; always check the label for additives.	Widely available in many US supermarkets.
San-J	Certified vegan; their tamari is well-known.	Specializes in tamari, which is typically wheat-free and offers a richer umami flavor.	Most products are certified vegan; no known issues with standard products.	Ideal for those seeking a richer flavor and guaranteed gluten-free options.
Lee Kum Kee	Most standard soy sauces are vegan.	Offers both premium dark and light soy sauces.	Check flavored sauces, as they produce oyster sauce and other non-vegan products.	A widely used brand, but cross-contamination is a potential concern with mixed product lines.
Eden Foods	Certified vegan and organic.	High-quality organic tamari and shoyu; focuses on natural ingredients.	Specific to their soy sauces, all are vegan.	Excellent choice for those prioritizing organic and naturally brewed products.

Making the Best Choice for Your Vegan Diet

When selecting a vegan soy sauce, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost is checking the ingredient list for any potential non-vegan additives. Look for simple, transparent labels that list only soybeans, wheat (or rice for tamari), salt, and water. Second, consider opting for products with a "Certified Vegan" logo, as this removes any ambiguity about the sourcing and production process. Third, be mindful of specific product types; while a brand's standard soy sauce might be vegan, a flavored teriyaki or specialty sauce might contain honey or fish. Tamari is a reliable option, as it is often naturally brewed without wheat and almost always vegan, but again, checking the label is essential. Lastly, for a guaranteed vegan option, especially for a gluten-free diet, seek out dedicated vegan brands like San-J or Eden Foods.

Conclusion

In summary, while the foundation of traditional soy sauce is vegan, the proliferation of different products means vigilance is required. By checking ingredient lists for common animal-derived additives like fish sauce or honey, and opting for certified vegan brands like San-J or reliable options from Kikkoman and La Choy, you can ensure your favorite condiment is cruelty-free. For those concerned about gluten, tamari is an excellent, often wheat-free alternative. Ultimately, a quick label check is all it takes to find a delicious, vegan-friendly soy sauce for all your cooking needs.

References

• TofuBud. (2021). Is Soy Sauce Vegan: The Ultimate Guide to Veganism and Soy Sauce.
• Kikkoman.co.uk. (2023). Officially Vegan.
• Faba Food. (2023). Is Soy Sauce Vegan?.
• SANCfood.com. (2025). Is Soy Sauce Vegan? What Every Plant-Based Eater Should Know.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kikkoman soy sauce vegan?

Yes, many of Kikkoman's key products, including their Naturally Brewed, Less Salt, and Gluten-Free Tamari soy sauces, are vegan and proudly carry the official V-Label certification. However, always check the label on specific flavored products like their Teriyaki BBQ Sauce with Honey, which is not vegan.

Is La Choy soy sauce vegan?

Yes, La Choy's soy sauce is vegan, as it does not contain any fish products. It is also gluten-free and kosher.

Does soy sauce contain animal products?

Traditional soy sauce is made from plant-based ingredients like soybeans, wheat, salt, and water, so it does not contain animal products. However, some commercially processed or flavored versions might add animal-derived additives such as fish sauce, honey, or flavorings.

What is the difference between soy sauce and tamari?

Both are fermented soy condiments, but soy sauce is traditionally made with a mix of soy and wheat, while tamari is often made with little to no wheat, making it a thicker, darker, and frequently gluten-free option. Tamari also has a richer, less salty flavor.

Why does some soy sauce taste fishy if it's vegan?

The rich, savory, and sometimes complex umami flavor of traditional soy sauce comes entirely from the natural fermentation process, not from fish products. This salty profile can sometimes be mistaken for a fishy taste.

What ingredients should vegans look for on a soy sauce label?

Vegans should look for a simple list of ingredients including soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. They should specifically check for and avoid additives like fish sauce, bonito, honey, or unclear "natural flavors".

Can I use any soy sauce in a vegan recipe?

It is safest to assume that not all soy sauces are vegan, especially if they are flavored, sweet, or processed. While traditional, basic soy sauces are usually vegan, always check the label to be certain.