Out of Soy sauce, one case
Vegan soy sauce substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Tamari
Same amount as the soy sauce
The best vegan soy sauce substitutes are tamari (1:1 ratio), coconut aminos (1:1 ratio), and liquid aminos (1:1 ratio). All are plant-based and provide similar umami flavor. Avoid Worcestershire sauce and fish sauce as they contain animal products.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- stir-fries
One casethe full soy sauce card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of soy sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tamaristir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Coconut aminosstir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Liquid aminosstir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Bragg liquid aminosstir-fries | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Mushroom saucevegetarian cooking | Same amountYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 6 | Homemade vegan soy saucecomplete control over ingredients | Same amountWorks | Works |
Tamari
similar taste and texture
Tamari is the best vegan substitute for soy sauce. Made from soybeans only (no wheat), it provides the same umami flavor and saltiness as traditional soy sauce while being naturally gluten-free and vegan.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, sushi, teriyaki, vegan cooking
Closest flavor match, naturally gluten-free, made from soybeans only.
Coconut aminos
different taste, similar texture
Coconut aminos are made from coconut sap and are naturally vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free. They provide a similar umami flavor but are slightly sweeter and lower in sodium than soy sauce.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, soy-free diets, Paleo cooking, vegan cooking
Soy-free and gluten-free, slightly sweeter, made from coconut sap.
Liquid aminos
similar taste and texture
Liquid aminos are made from soybeans and are naturally vegan. They contain all essential amino acids and provide a similar flavor profile to soy sauce without any animal products.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, salad dressings, vegan cooking
Contains all essential amino acids, vegan, similar flavor profile.
Bragg liquid aminos
similar taste and texture
Bragg Liquid Aminos is a popular vegan brand of liquid aminos that provides a similar flavor to soy sauce. It's made from soybeans and contains all essential amino acids.
- Best for
- stir-fries, marinades, sauces, salad dressings, vegan cooking
Popular vegan brand of liquid aminos, contains amino acids.
Mushroom sauce
different taste and texture
Mushroom sauce is made from mushrooms and is naturally vegan. It provides rich umami flavor similar to soy sauce and works well in many plant-based dishes.
- Best for
- vegetarian cooking, stir-fries, sauces, marinades, vegan cooking
Plant-based, rich umami flavor, may be thicker than soy sauce.
Homemade vegan soy sauce
similar taste and texture
Make your own vegan soy sauce substitute by combining plant-based ingredients like nutritional yeast, miso paste, and herbs. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and flavor profile.
- Best for
- complete control over ingredients, customized flavor, vegan cooking
Make your own with plant-based ingredients and flavor enhancers.
Tips for substituting soy sauce
7 tips- Always check labels to ensure products are certified vegan
- Avoid Worcestershire sauce and fish sauce as they contain animal products
- Tamari is the closest flavor match to traditional soy sauce for vegan cooking
- Coconut aminos are ideal for those avoiding both soy and animal products
- Vegan substitutes work best when combined with other plant-based flavor enhancers
- Store vegan substitutes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Vegan substitutes can be used in all the same applications as regular soy sauce
Questions
7 questionsIs regular soy sauce vegan?
Most regular soy sauce is vegan as it's made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. However, some brands may contain additives or processing agents that aren't vegan, so always check the label.
Is tamari vegan?
Yes, tamari is naturally vegan as it's made from soybeans only (no wheat) and doesn't contain any animal products. It's also gluten-free.
Are coconut aminos vegan?
Yes, coconut aminos are naturally vegan as they're made from coconut sap and don't contain any animal products. They're also soy-free and gluten-free.
Can I use Worcestershire sauce as a vegan soy sauce substitute?
No, traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies and is not vegan. However, there are vegan Worcestershire sauce alternatives available that can work as substitutes.
What's the best vegan soy sauce substitute for Asian cooking?
For authentic Asian cooking, tamari is the best vegan substitute as it provides the closest flavor profile to traditional soy sauce while being naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Are liquid aminos vegan?
Yes, liquid aminos are naturally vegan as they're made from soybeans and don't contain any animal products. They contain all essential amino acids and provide a similar flavor to soy sauce.
How do I make vegan soy sauce at home?
Mix 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon of miso paste, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add herbs and spices to taste and simmer for 10 minutes.