Out of Tamari, one case
Gluten-free tamari substitute
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut aminos
Same amount as the tamari
The best gluten-free tamari substitutes are coconut aminos (1:1), liquid aminos (1:1), or gluten-free soy sauce (1:1). Coconut aminos is also soy-free, making it good for those avoiding both gluten and soy.
- Best for —
- gluten-free cooking
One casethe full tamari card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tamari |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut aminosgluten-free cooking | Same amount |
| 2 | Liquid aminosgluten-free cooking | Same amount |
| 3 | Bragg liquid aminosgluten-free cooking | Same amount |
| 4 | Gluten-free soy saucegluten-free cooking | Same amount |
| 5 | Miso paste + watersoups | 1 tsp miso + 2-3 tbsp water per 1 tbsp tamari |
| 6 | Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free)marinades | Same amount |
| 7 | Fish saucestir-fries | Same amount |
| 8 | Oyster sauce (gluten-free)stir-fries | Same amount |
Coconut aminos
sweeter, similar umami · similar texture
Coconut aminos is made from coconut sap and provides a similar umami flavor to tamari. It's naturally gluten-free and soy-free, making it good for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It's slightly sweeter than tamari but works well in most applications.
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, soy-free diets, stir-fries, marinades, dressings, vegan cooking, celiac-friendly recipes
Gluten-free and soy-free alternative with similar umami flavor.
Liquid aminos
very similar · similar texture
Liquid aminos is made from soybeans without wheat, making it very similar to tamari in both flavor and texture. It's gluten-free and provides the same umami depth as tamari, making it an excellent substitute for those avoiding gluten.
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, stir-fries, marinades, sauces, dressings, health-conscious cooking
Gluten-free alternative made from soybeans, very similar to tamari.
Bragg liquid aminos
very similar · similar texture
Bragg Liquid Aminos is made from soybeans without wheat, making it very similar to tamari. It's gluten-free and provides the same umami depth as tamari, making it an excellent substitute for health-conscious cooks and those with gluten sensitivity.
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, health-conscious cooking, stir-fries, marinades, dressings, celiac-friendly recipes
Gluten-free alternative made from soybeans, very similar to tamari.
Gluten-free soy sauce
similar to soy sauce · similar texture
Gluten-free soy sauce is made without wheat, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It has a similar flavor to regular soy sauce but without the gluten content.
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, stir-fries, marinades, sauces, dressings, Asian cooking
Gluten-free version of traditional soy sauce.
Miso paste + water
similar umami, slightly different
Miso paste diluted with water creates a similar umami flavor to tamari. Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor, red miso for stronger flavor. This provides the fermented depth that tamari is known for and is naturally gluten-free.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, marinades, when you want authentic Japanese flavor, gluten-free cooking
- Texture
- thicker, needs dilution
- Prep
- Mix miso paste with warm water until smooth and the consistency of tamari.
Fermented soybean paste diluted with water for similar umami flavor.
Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free)
different but complex · similar texture
Some Worcestershire sauce brands are gluten-free. It provides complex umami flavor similar to tamari. It contains anchovies and tamarind, giving it a rich, savory depth that works well in many dishes. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, stir-fries, meat dishes, when you want complex flavor
- Prep
- Use directly as a 1:1 substitute, but be aware of the different flavor profile.
Complex flavor profile with umami depth, check label for gluten-free certification.
Fish sauce
much stronger, fishy · similar texture
Fish sauce provides intense umami flavor similar to tamari and is naturally gluten-free. It's much stronger and fishier than tamari, so use sparingly and adjust to taste. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
- Best for
- stir-fries, sauces, Asian cooking, when you want strong umami, soups
- Prep
- Use less than the full amount and taste as you go. Start with half the amount.
Strong umami flavor, naturally gluten-free.
Oyster sauce (gluten-free)
sweeter, similar umami
Some oyster sauce brands are gluten-free. It provides sweet and savory umami flavor similar to tamari. It has a thicker consistency and works well in stir-fries and glazes. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
- Best for
- stir-fries, glazes, marinades, noodles, vegetables, Asian cooking
- Texture
- thicker
- Prep
- Use directly as a 1:1 substitute, but be aware of the sweeter taste.
Sweet and savory, thicker consistency than tamari, check label for gluten-free certification.
How it behaves in this recipe
Gluten-free tamari substitutes work best when you need to maintain the umami depth and savory flavor of dishes while avoiding gluten. The best substitute depends on whether you also need to avoid soy.
Tips for substituting tamari
15 tips- Always check labels for gluten-free certification when using processed sauces
- Coconut aminos is the safest choice for those avoiding both gluten and soy
- Liquid aminos provides the closest flavor match to tamari while being gluten-free
- Miso paste is naturally gluten-free and provides authentic Japanese flavor
- Fish sauce is naturally gluten-free but much stronger than tamari
- Store gluten-free alternatives in a cool, dark place for best shelf life
- When in doubt, use coconut aminos as it's both gluten-free and soy-free
- Gluten-free soy sauce is widely available in most grocery stores
- Bragg Liquid Aminos is a trusted brand for gluten-free liquid aminos
- Always read ingredient labels carefully to ensure no hidden gluten sources
- For the most authentic flavor, use miso paste diluted with water
- Coconut aminos works well in both sweet and savory applications
- Liquid aminos is good for health-conscious cooking without gluten
- Fish sauce adds intense umami but use sparingly due to its strength
- Gluten-free Worcestershire sauce is available but check labels carefully
Notes on tamari
- Create a custom umami blend by combining coconut aminos, mushroom powder, and a touch of gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- Use dried mushroom broth as a base and add coconut aminos for concentrated mushroom flavor
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for natural glutamic acid in Mediterranean dishes
- Use seaweed flakes for natural umami in Asian dishes
- Combine multiple gluten-free flavor enhancers for the most complex, satisfying taste
- For authentic Japanese flavor, use miso paste diluted with water
- For health-conscious cooking, use Bragg Liquid Aminos or coconut aminos
- For intense umami, use fish sauce but start with less and adjust to taste
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best gluten-free substitute for tamari?
Coconut aminos is the best gluten-free substitute for tamari. It's also soy-free and provides similar umami flavor, making it good for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Can I use liquid aminos instead of tamari?
Yes, liquid aminos is an excellent gluten-free substitute for tamari. It's made from soybeans without wheat and provides very similar flavor and texture.
Is tamari gluten-free?
Yes, tamari is naturally gluten-free as it's made from 100% soybeans without wheat, unlike traditional soy sauce.
What's the difference between tamari and gluten-free soy sauce?
Tamari is naturally gluten-free and has a richer, more complex flavor. Gluten-free soy sauce is made without wheat but may have a different flavor profile depending on the brand.
Can I use coconut aminos for tamari?
Yes, coconut aminos is an excellent gluten-free substitute for tamari. It's also soy-free and provides similar umami flavor, though it's slightly sweeter.
What gluten-free tamari substitute works best for stir-fries?
Liquid aminos or coconut aminos work best for stir-fries. Both provide similar umami flavor and are gluten-free.
Can I use miso paste instead of tamari?
Yes, miso paste diluted with water is a great gluten-free substitute for tamari. Use 1 teaspoon miso with 2-3 tablespoons water for 1 tablespoon tamari.
Is fish sauce gluten-free?
Yes, fish sauce is naturally gluten-free and provides intense umami flavor. However, it's much stronger than tamari, so use sparingly.
What's the best gluten-free tamari substitute for marinades?
Coconut aminos or liquid aminos work best for marinades. Both provide similar umami flavor and are gluten-free.
Can I use Bragg Liquid Aminos instead of tamari?
Yes, Bragg Liquid Aminos is an excellent gluten-free substitute for tamari. It's made from soybeans without wheat and provides very similar flavor.