Out of Low sodium soy sauce, one case
Low sodium soy sauce substitute for heart
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut aminos
Same amount as the low sodium soy sauce
The best low sodium soy sauce substitutes are coconut aminos (1:1 ratio), low-sodium tamari (1:1 ratio), or diluted regular soy sauce with added flavor enhancers. Coconut aminos are naturally lower in sodium and provide similar umami flavor.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- stir-fries
One casethe full soy sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of low sodium soy sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut aminosstir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Low-sodium tamaristir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Diluted soy sauce + flavor enhancersgeneral cooking | Same amountDiluted soy sauce + herbs and spicesWorks | Works |
| 4 | Liquid aminosstir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Homemade low-sodium soy saucegeneral cooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Mushroom saucevegetarian cooking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Coconut aminos
different taste, similar texture
Coconut aminos are naturally lower in sodium than soy sauce while providing similar umami flavor. They're made from coconut sap and are soy-free and gluten-free, making them ideal for health-conscious cooking.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, low-sodium diets, heart-healthy cooking
Naturally lower in sodium, soy-free, gluten-free.
Low-sodium tamari
similar taste and texture
Low-sodium tamari provides the closest flavor match to regular soy sauce while containing significantly less sodium. It's naturally gluten-free and made from soybeans only.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, gluten-free cooking, low-sodium diets
Reduced sodium version of tamari, closest flavor match.
Diluted soy sauce + flavor enhancers
similar taste and texture
Dilute regular soy sauce with water (1:1 ratio) and add flavor enhancers like garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs to maintain flavor while reducing sodium content.
- Best for
- general cooking, marinades, sauces, stir-fries
Mix regular soy sauce with water and add flavor enhancers.
Liquid aminos
similar taste and texture
Some brands of liquid aminos are lower in sodium than regular soy sauce. Check the label to compare sodium content and choose the brand with the lowest sodium per serving.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, salad dressings
Check label for sodium content, some brands are lower in sodium.
Homemade low-sodium soy sauce
similar taste and texture
Make your own low-sodium soy sauce substitute by combining water, reduced salt, and flavor enhancers like garlic, ginger, and herbs. This gives you complete control over the sodium content.
- Best for
- general cooking, marinades, sauces, complete control over ingredients
Make your own with reduced salt and added flavor enhancers.
Mushroom sauce
different taste and texture
Mushroom sauce provides rich umami flavor with naturally lower sodium content than soy sauce. It's vegetarian-friendly and works well in many Asian-inspired dishes.
- Best for
- vegetarian cooking, stir-fries, sauces, marinades
Naturally lower in sodium, rich umami flavor.
Tips for substituting low sodium soy sauce
7 tips- Always check nutrition labels to compare sodium content between brands
- Coconut aminos are naturally lower in sodium and work well for most applications
- Low-sodium substitutes work best when combined with other flavor enhancers
- Use herbs, spices, and aromatics to boost flavor without adding sodium
- Store low-sodium substitutes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- For heart-healthy cooking, coconut aminos are the best choice
- Low-sodium substitutes can be used in all the same applications as regular soy sauce
Questions
7 questionsWhat's the sodium content difference between soy sauce and coconut aminos?
Regular soy sauce contains about 900-1000mg sodium per tablespoon, while coconut aminos contain about 270mg sodium per tablespoon - about 70% less sodium.
Is low-sodium tamari a good substitute for soy sauce?
Yes, low-sodium tamari is an excellent substitute for soy sauce. It provides the closest flavor match while containing significantly less sodium. It's also naturally gluten-free.
Can I dilute regular soy sauce to reduce sodium?
Yes, you can dilute regular soy sauce with water (1:1 ratio) to reduce sodium content by half. Add flavor enhancers like garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs to maintain flavor.
What's the best low-sodium soy sauce substitute for heart-healthy cooking?
Coconut aminos are the best choice for heart-healthy cooking as they're naturally lower in sodium and provide similar umami flavor without the high sodium content of regular soy sauce.
Are liquid aminos lower in sodium than soy sauce?
Some brands of liquid aminos are lower in sodium than regular soy sauce, but it varies by brand. Always check the nutrition label to compare sodium content per serving.
How do I make homemade low-sodium soy sauce?
Mix 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of reduced-sodium soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger. Add herbs and spices to taste.
Can I use mushroom sauce as a low-sodium soy sauce substitute?
Yes, mushroom sauce can work as a low-sodium substitute for soy sauce. It provides rich umami flavor with naturally lower sodium content, though the flavor profile is different.