Soy sauce is a popular condiment used in Asian cuisine, made from soybeans, wheat, water, and salt. It's a staple in many dishes, adding a rich umami flavour to stir-fries, sushi, and more. But is it suitable for those following a keto diet? The answer is yes, in moderation. Soy sauce typically contains around 0.7 to 1 gram of net carbs per tablespoon, which means it can be included in a keto diet when used sparingly. However, it's important to check the labels, as some brands add sugars or other ingredients that can increase the carb content. For those wanting a cleaner keto option, coconut aminos is a popular substitute, made from the fermented sap of the coconut palm.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Carbohydrates | 0.7-0.8 grams per tablespoon |
Calories | 8.48-9 per tablespoon |
Sodium | 878 milligrams per tablespoon |
What You'll Learn
Soy sauce is keto-friendly in moderation
Soy sauce is a popular condiment used in Asian cuisine, adding a unique tangy, salty, and slightly sweet flavour to dishes. It is typically made from soybeans, wheat, water, and salt. But is soy sauce keto-friendly?
The answer is yes, soy sauce can be considered keto-friendly, but only in moderation. Soy sauce does contain carbohydrates, with a typical serving size of one tablespoon containing around 0.7 to 1 gram of net carbs. This means that soy sauce can be included in a keto diet when used sparingly. It is important to note that some brands may add sugars or other ingredients that increase the carb content, so checking the nutrition label is essential.
When choosing a soy sauce for a keto diet, it is best to look for options with reduced carbs or no added sugar. Additionally, for those with gluten intolerance or following a gluten-free keto diet, tamari is a good alternative as it is traditionally made without wheat and is gluten-free. Coconut aminos is another popular substitute, derived from the fermented sap of coconut palm and salt, offering a similar salty and umami flavour.
While soy sauce can be a part of a keto diet, it is not the cleanest ingredient for a low-carb pantry. Soy contains phytoestrogens, which can lead to hormone imbalances with excessive consumption. It is also highly genetically modified, with over 94% of soy in the United States being GMO in 2018, and it often contains by-products of wheat and gluten. Soy also has high levels of phytic acid, which inhibits mineral absorption.
In conclusion, soy sauce can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a keto diet, but it is important to be mindful of the carb content and choose low-carb options when possible.
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Soy sauce contains 0.7-1 gram of net carbs per tablespoon
Soy sauce is a condiment commonly used in Asian cuisine, made from fermented soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. It is a popular ingredient in dishes like stir-fries, sushi, and grilled fish, adding a tangy, salty, and slightly sweet flavour.
The number of carbs in soy sauce can vary depending on the brand and type. However, generally, a 1-tablespoon (15 ml) serving of regular soy sauce contains between 0.7 and 1 gram of net carbs. This small amount of net carbs means that soy sauce can be considered keto-friendly, especially when used sparingly.
For example, a typical store-bought brand of soy sauce has approximately 0.8 grams of net carbs per tablespoon. Low-sodium soy sauce has a slightly higher amount, with around 0.8 to 0.9 grams of net carbs. Soy sauce packets, often found in restaurants, contain about half a tablespoon, which equates to around 0.4 grams of net carbs.
When choosing a soy sauce for a keto diet, it is important to check the labels and look for brands with low carbohydrate content, ideally less than 1 gram of net carbs per tablespoon. Some brands may contain added sugars or other ingredients that can significantly increase the carb count, so it is best to opt for those with minimal additives. Additionally, if you are gluten intolerant or following a gluten-free keto diet, choose a gluten-free or wheat-free alternative, such as tamari, which is traditionally made without wheat.
While soy sauce can be a good option for those watching their carb intake, it is important to note that it is high in sodium, with a one-tablespoon serving containing 878 milligrams of sodium. Therefore, individuals with sodium restrictions may need to limit their consumption accordingly.
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Soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, water, and salt
Soy sauce is a liquid condiment that originated in China and is now a staple in Asian cuisine. It is made from soybeans, wheat, water, and salt.
Soy sauce is created by fermenting cooked soybeans with various forms of yeast, which breaks down the complex proteins and carbohydrates in the soybeans and wheat into simpler amino acids, sugars, and organic acids. After fermentation, the mixture is filtered to remove any solids, and then mixed with salt and water to create a salty liquid.
The colour, flavour, and aroma of soy sauce can vary depending on the specific type and production method used. For example, dark soy sauce is aged longer and has a deeper, more complex flavour than light soy sauce.
Soy sauce is recognized for its saltiness and umami taste. The wheat in soy sauce contributes to its slightly sweeter taste compared to other condiments.
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Coconut aminos is a keto-friendly alternative to soy sauce
Coconut aminos is a great keto-friendly alternative to soy sauce. It is made from fermented coconut palm sap and sea salt, and has a similar umami flavor to soy sauce. It is also gluten-free and soy-free, making it a good option for those with dietary restrictions or food sensitivities.
Coconut aminos has a milder and slightly sweeter taste than soy sauce, but it doesn't taste like coconut. It is also significantly lower in sodium, containing about a third of the sodium content of soy sauce. This makes it a good choice for those looking to reduce their salt intake, although it should still be consumed in moderation as it is not salt-free.
In terms of cost and availability, coconut aminos tends to be more expensive and less widely available than traditional soy sauce. It may be difficult to find in some regions and often needs to be purchased online, which can result in high shipping costs.
When it comes to nutrition, coconut aminos is not a significant source of nutrients. It does contain some potassium, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants, but the amounts are very small. Coconut aminos is also not a low-sodium food, so portion size should be monitored for those on low-sodium diets.
Overall, coconut aminos is a good alternative to soy sauce for those following a keto diet. It has a similar flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio in most recipes. It is also free from common allergens and lower in sodium, making it a healthier option for some individuals. However, it may be more expensive and difficult to find than traditional soy sauce.
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Some soy sauces are high in carbs, so check the labels
Soy sauce is generally keto-friendly, but some varieties are high in carbs and should be avoided if you're on a strict keto diet.
A typical serving size of soy sauce is 1 tablespoon, which contains around 0.7 to 0.8 grams of net carbs. This small amount of carbs means that soy sauce can be easily incorporated into a keto diet when used sparingly. However, it's important to note that the carb content can vary depending on the brand and specific recipe used. Some brands add sugars or other ingredients that can significantly increase the carb count, so it's always a good idea to check the nutrition label or ingredient list. Look for brands that have low carbohydrate content, typically less than 1 gram of carbs per tablespoon, and choose varieties without added sugars to avoid unnecessary carbs.
If you're following a gluten-free keto diet, you'll also want to pay attention to the ingredients list, as some soy sauces contain wheat and gluten. Tamari is a good alternative in this case, as it is traditionally made without wheat and is naturally gluten-free. Coconut aminos is another popular keto-friendly alternative to soy sauce, derived from the fermented sap of the coconut palm. It offers a similar salty and umami flavor but with a lower sodium count.
In conclusion, while soy sauce can be a part of a keto diet, it's important to check the labels and choose low-carb options to stay within your dietary guidelines.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, in moderation. A typical serving size of one tablespoon contains around 0.7-0.8 grams of net carbs. However, some brands add sugars, so always check the labels.
The number of carbs in soy sauce can vary depending on the brand and type. Generally, a one-tablespoon (15 ml) serving of regular soy sauce contains only 0.7-0.8 grams of net carbs.
Some keto-friendly alternatives to soy sauce include:
- Coconut Aminos
- Fish sauce
- Dried mushrooms
- Worcestershire sauce
- Liquid Aminos