Kikkoman Soy Sauce: A Keto-Friendly Condiment?

Soy sauce is a versatile condiment that is widely used in Asian cuisine. It is made from a combination of soy and crushed wheat, which are allowed to ferment in a salty brine containing mould cultures. While it is a great way to add flavour to dishes, those on a keto diet may wonder whether soy sauce is keto-friendly.

The answer is yes and no. Soy sauce typically contains around 1 gram of net carbohydrates per tablespoon, which means it can be included sparingly in a keto diet. However, soy sauce is not considered a clean keto option due to the presence of gluten and other by-products. Additionally, soy products can be heavely genetically modified and may contain estrogen-like substances, which may affect hormone levels over time.

For those who want a cleaner keto option, there are alternatives to traditional soy sauce, such as coconut aminos, which are made from fermented coconut palm sap.

Kikkoman's gluten-free soy sauce

Kikkoman® Gluten-Free Soy Sauce is a premium soy sauce with the same rich, savoury taste and umami flavour you would expect from Kikkoman's regular soy sauce. It is traditionally brewed with four simple ingredients: water, soybeans, rice, and salt. The sauce is certified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America (GIG).

In terms of nutritional information, a serving size of 1 tablespoon (15mL) of Kikkoman's gluten-free soy sauce contains 0% total carbohydrates (1g). It is important to note that while soy sauce is technically keto-friendly due to its low net carbs, it may not be the cleanest ingredient for a strict keto diet due to the presence of wheat by-products and gluten.

Overall, Kikkoman's gluten-free soy sauce is a premium product that delivers the expected savoury taste and flavour of Kikkoman soy sauce while being certified gluten-free and mild in flavour. It is a great option for those following a gluten-free diet and has received positive reviews from customers.

Kikkoman's non-GMO soy sauce

The company places great importance on the quality and origin of its raw ingredients and its natural production processes. Kikkoman only uses soybeans that are non-GMO, which is a clear mark of quality. In fact, it's the first-class ingredients that give all Kikkoman Soy Sauces their characteristically distinctive flavour. They don't use any artificial additives in their sauces.

A 1.6L bottle of Kikkoman's non-GMO soy sauce has 6.7g of carbohydrates per 100mL, which is pretty much half of what other brands offer. It also has less than 1g of sugar per 100mL.

Kikkoman's low-carb soy sauce

Kikkoman's soy sauce is a low-carb option for those following a keto diet. With only 6.7g of carbohydrates per 100ml, it is significantly lower in carbs than other brands, which can contain up to 13g per 100ml.

Kikkoman's soy sauce is made using a natural brewing process, which is a better choice for the keto diet than non-brewed soy sauces, which may contain potentially harmful substances. The sauce is made from water, soybeans, wheat, and salt, with a small amount of alcohol produced during the brewing process.

The Kikkoman brand also offers a gluten-free soy sauce option, which is considered keto-friendly. This is a good choice for those following a strict keto diet, as gluten-free options tend to have a lower carb count.

When it comes to soy sauce, it is important to read the labels carefully. Some brands add sugar and wheat, which can increase the carb count to around 23g per 100ml. Kikkoman's Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce, however, is a good low-carb option.

Alternatives to Soy Sauce

While Kikkoman's soy sauce is a keto-friendly option, there are some alternatives that are even lower in carbs. Coconut aminos, for example, is made from coconut tree sap and sea salt, and has a similar taste to soy sauce. It is considered a healthier and more natural product.

Another option is tamari, which is a Japanese version of soy sauce that contains little to no wheat. As a result, it is usually gluten-free and has a low carb count of around 2g per 100ml.

The Bottom Line

Kikkoman's Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce is a good low-carb option for those following a keto diet. With only 6.7g of carbohydrates per 100ml, it is significantly lower in carbs than other brands. The company also offers a gluten-free option, which is an even better choice for strict keto dieters.

However, it is important to remember that soy sauce is not the cleanest ingredient for a keto pantry due to the presence of wheat and gluten. For a truly clean keto diet, alternatives like coconut aminos or tamari may be preferable.

Kikkoman's clean keto soy sauce

Kikkoman's soy sauce is a great option for those following a keto diet. With only around 6.7g of carbohydrates per 100ml, it is a better choice than many other brands, which can contain up to 13g per 100ml.

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that involves reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis, which makes your body more efficient at burning fat for energy.

Kikkoman's soy sauce is a good option for keto because it is naturally brewed and does not contain any added sugar or wheat flour, which can increase the carb count. It is made with water, soybeans, wheat, and salt, and a small amount of alcohol is produced during the natural brewing process.

How to Use Kikkoman's Soy Sauce on Keto

When following a keto diet, you can use Kikkoman's soy sauce sparingly as a flavour enhancer. A little goes a long way, and you only need a small amount to add a punch of savoury flavour to your dishes. It is a great way to add flavour to simple dishes, especially Asian-inspired meals such as stir-fries, dips, dressings, and marinades.

Other Keto-Friendly Soy Sauce Options

If you are looking for a soy-free or gluten-free option, there are some great alternatives to traditional soy sauce. Coconut aminos, for example, are made from the fermented sap of coconut palms and have a similar consistency to light soy sauce. They have a higher sugar content, so use accordingly, but they are a good soy-free alternative.

Another option is to choose a gluten-free soy sauce made with rice instead of wheat. Kikkoman offers a gluten-free soy sauce, as well as a tamari soy sauce, which is also usually gluten-free as it is made with fermented soy rather than wheat.

Final Thoughts

When following a keto diet, it is important to read labels and be mindful of added ingredients that can increase the carb count. Kikkoman's soy sauce is a good option for those looking to add flavour to their keto meals, but there are also several soy-free and gluten-free alternatives available.

Kikkoman's naturally brewed soy sauce

Soy Sauce and the Keto Diet

Ingredients and Concerns

Kikkoman's soy sauce contains water, soybeans, wheat, and salt, as well as a small amount of alcohol from the brewing process. This combination of ingredients means that soy sauce is not suitable for those avoiding wheat and gluten, which are not considered "clean keto" options.

Additionally, soy in its natural form contains phytoestrogens, which can act like estrogen in the body and may lead to hormone imbalances with excessive consumption. Soy is also often heavily genetically modified, and soy sauce can contain traces of pesticide residues.

Alternatives

For those wanting a clean keto diet, there are some alternatives to Kikkoman's naturally brewed soy sauce. Coconut aminos, made from fermented coconut sap, is the closest low-carb alternative, though it does contain some natural sugar. Fish sauce, made from anchovies and salt, is another option, but many brands contain added sugar. For a gluten-free option, Kikkoman also offers a gluten-free soy sauce.

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