Out of Coconut aminos, one case
Substitutes for coconut aminos vs soy sauce
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Soy sauce
Half the amount of coconut aminos
The best substitutes for coconut aminos are Soy Sauce, Tamari, and Liquid Aminos; all three are much saltier, so start with half the amount and add to taste. For soy sauce, use Coconut Aminos (1:1 ratio) as the best substitute.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- The tweak —
- Start with half the amount, taste, then add more if needed; add a pinch of sugar if the dish needs the sweetness.
- Best for —
- cooking
One casethe full coconut aminos card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of coconut aminos | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soy saucecooking | ½ × the amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Tamaricooking | ½ × the amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Liquid aminoscooking | ½ × the amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Coconut aminoscooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Worcestershire saucemeat dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Soy sauce
similar taste and texture
Traditional soy sauce with similar umami flavor but contains soy and gluten. Most readily available substitute for coconut aminos.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, stir-fries, dressings, Asian dishes, when you need soy sauce flavor
- Prep
- Start with half the amount, taste, then add more if needed; add a pinch of sugar if the dish needs the sweetness.
Contains soy and gluten, which coconut aminos don't. Much saltier (roughly two to three times the sodium) and less sweet. Most similar flavor profile to coconut aminos.
Tamari
similar taste and texture
Soy sauce usually made with little or no wheat, with similar umami flavor; contains soy. Check the label for gluten-free if you are avoiding gluten.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, stir-fries, dressings, when avoiding gluten, Asian dishes
Contains soy. Usually gluten-free, but some brands include wheat, so check the label. As salty as soy sauce: start with half the amount and add to taste.
Liquid aminos
similar taste and texture
Amino acid-based sauce with similar umami flavor but contains soy. Good substitute for most applications.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, stir-fries, dressings, when you want amino acids
Contains soy but has similar umami flavor. About as salty as soy sauce: start with half the amount and add to taste.
Coconut aminos
similar taste and texture
Soy-free, gluten-free sauce made from coconut sap with similar umami flavor. Good substitute for soy sauce.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, stir-fries, dressings, when avoiding soy, paleo diets
Soy-free and gluten-free alternative to soy sauce. Use in same amounts for best results. Slightly sweeter than soy sauce.
Worcestershire sauce
different taste, similar texture
Complex sauce with similar umami depth but different flavor profile. Good substitute for both coconut aminos and soy sauce.
- Best for
- meat dishes, gravies, sauces, when you want complex flavor, cooking
Different flavor profile but similar umami depth. Use in same amounts. Good for meat dishes and gravies.
How it behaves in this recipe
Coconut aminos and soy sauce are often used interchangeably in recipes, but they have different nutritional profiles and flavors. The best substitutes depend on whether you need them for dietary restrictions (coconut aminos) or traditional flavor (soy sauce).
Tips for substituting coconut aminos
7 tips- Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce 1:1; going the other way, start with half as much soy sauce, because it is much saltier
- Coconut aminos are sweeter and lower in sodium than soy sauce, so adjust seasoning accordingly
- Soy sauce contains gluten and soy, while coconut aminos are soy-free and gluten-free
- For best results, taste and adjust seasoning when substituting between coconut aminos and soy sauce
- Coconut aminos work well in paleo and Whole30 diets, while soy sauce is more traditional
- Store both coconut aminos and soy sauce in cool, dry places to maintain their quality
- When using soy sauce as a substitute, consider adding a small amount of sweetener to match coconut aminos' sweetness
Notes on coconut aminos
- For a unique twist, try using a combination of soy sauce and a small amount of honey to replicate the sweetness of coconut aminos
- Miso paste can work as a substitute when you want umami flavor without the liquid consistency
- For a completely different approach, try using balsamic vinegar with a pinch of salt for a tangy alternative
- Consider making your own coconut aminos substitute by combining soy sauce with a small amount of coconut sugar
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce?
Yes, coconut aminos can be used as a substitute for soy sauce in a 1:1 ratio. Coconut aminos are sweeter and lower in sodium, so you may need to adjust seasoning.
Can I substitute soy sauce for coconut aminos?
Yes, but start with half the amount. Soy sauce has roughly two to three times the sodium and is less sweet, so taste, add more if needed, and add a pinch of sugar if the dish needs the sweetness.
What's the difference between coconut aminos and soy sauce?
Coconut aminos are made from coconut sap and are soy-free and gluten-free, while soy sauce is made from soybeans and wheat. Coconut aminos are also lower in sodium and slightly sweeter.
Are coconut aminos a good substitute for soy sauce?
Yes, coconut aminos are an excellent substitute for soy sauce, especially for people with soy or gluten sensitivities. They provide similar umami flavor with a sweeter taste.
What's the best ratio for substituting coconut aminos for soy sauce?
Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting coconut aminos for soy sauce. Since coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty, you may need to adjust other seasonings in your recipe.