Out of Tamari, one case
Low sodium tamari substitute
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Low sodium soy sauce
Same amount as the tamari
The best low sodium tamari substitutes are low sodium soy sauce (1:1), coconut aminos (1:1), or liquid aminos (1:1). For natural alternatives, use miso paste diluted with water or mushroom powder for umami without added salt.
- Best for —
- health-conscious cooking
One casethe full tamari card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tamari |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low sodium soy saucehealth-conscious cooking | Same amount |
| 2 | Coconut aminoshealth-conscious cooking | Same amount |
| 3 | Liquid aminoshealth-conscious cooking | Same amount |
| 4 | Miso paste + watersoups | 1 tsp miso + 2-3 tbsp water per 1 tbsp tamari |
| 5 | Mushroom powder + waterstir-fries | 1 tsp mushroom powder + 2-3 tbsp water per 1 tbsp tamari |
| 6 | Vegetable broth + misosoups | 1 cup broth + 1 tsp miso per 1 tbsp tamari |
| 7 | Bragg liquid aminoshealth-conscious cooking | Same amount |
| 8 | Seaweed flakes + waterAsian cooking | 1 tsp seaweed flakes + 2-3 tbsp water per 1 tbsp tamari |
Low sodium soy sauce
similar but less salty · similar texture
Low sodium soy sauce is made with reduced salt content while maintaining the familiar flavor of traditional soy sauce. It provides similar umami depth with significantly less sodium, making it a healthier choice for those watching their salt intake.
- Best for
- health-conscious cooking, stir-fries, marinades, sauces, dressings, when you want familiar flavor
Reduced sodium version of traditional soy sauce.
Coconut aminos
sweeter, similar umami · similar texture
Coconut aminos is made from coconut sap and provides a similar umami flavor to tamari with significantly less sodium. It's naturally gluten-free and soy-free, making it good for health-conscious cooking and those with dietary restrictions.
- Best for
- health-conscious cooking, gluten-free cooking, soy-free diets, stir-fries, marinades, dressings, vegan cooking
Naturally low sodium alternative with similar umami flavor.
Liquid aminos
very similar · similar texture
Liquid aminos is made from soybeans without wheat and provides similar umami flavor to tamari with lower sodium content. It's gluten-free and provides the same umami depth as tamari while being healthier for those watching their salt intake.
- Best for
- health-conscious cooking, gluten-free cooking, stir-fries, marinades, sauces, dressings, when you want similar flavor
Lower sodium alternative made from soybeans.
Miso paste + water
similar umami, slightly different
Miso paste diluted with water creates a similar umami flavor to tamari with natural fermentation benefits. Use white or yellow miso for milder flavor, red miso for stronger flavor. This provides the fermented depth that tamari is known for with less sodium.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, marinades, when you want authentic Japanese flavor, gluten-free cooking, fermented food benefits
- 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 natural umami.
Mushroom powder + water
earthy, similar umami
Mushroom powder combined with water provides natural umami flavor without added salt. This is a great option for those who want to avoid sodium while still getting the savory depth that tamari provides.
- Best for
- stir-fries, sauces, marinades, when you want natural umami, vegetarian cooking, health-conscious cooking
- Texture
- thicker, needs dilution
- Prep
- Mix mushroom powder with warm water until smooth and the consistency of tamari.
Natural umami enhancer without added salt.
Vegetable broth + miso
natural, similar umami · similar texture
A combination of vegetable broth and miso paste provides natural umami flavor without added salt. This is a great option for those who want to avoid sodium while still getting the savory depth that tamari provides.
- Best for
- soups, sauces, when you want natural flavor, vegetarian cooking, health-conscious cooking
- Prep
- Mix vegetable broth with miso paste until smooth and well combined.
Natural combination for umami without added salt.
Bragg liquid aminos
very similar · similar texture
Bragg Liquid Aminos is made from soybeans without wheat and provides similar umami flavor to tamari with lower sodium content. It's gluten-free and provides the same umami depth as tamari while being healthier for those watching their salt intake.
- Best for
- health-conscious cooking, gluten-free cooking, stir-fries, marinades, dressings, when you want similar flavor
Lower sodium alternative made from soybeans.
Seaweed flakes + water
oceanic, similar umami
Seaweed flakes combined with water provide natural umami flavor without added salt. This is a great option for those who want to avoid sodium while still getting the savory depth that tamari provides, especially in Asian cooking.
- Best for
- Asian cooking, soups, sauces, when you want natural umami, vegetarian cooking, health-conscious cooking
- Texture
- thicker, needs dilution
- Prep
- Mix seaweed flakes with warm water until smooth and the consistency of tamari.
Natural umami enhancer from seaweed.
How it behaves in this recipe
Low sodium tamari substitutes work best when you need to maintain the umami depth and savory flavor of dishes while reducing sodium intake. The best substitute depends on your dietary preferences and health goals.
Tips for substituting tamari
15 tips- Coconut aminos is naturally low in sodium and provides similar umami flavor
- Liquid aminos provides the closest flavor match to tamari while being lower in sodium
- Miso paste is naturally fermented and provides umami without added salt
- Mushroom powder adds natural umami without sodium
- Vegetable broth and miso combination provides natural flavor without added salt
- Seaweed flakes add natural umami from the ocean
- Always check labels for sodium content when choosing substitutes
- Store low sodium alternatives in a cool, dark place for best shelf life
- When in doubt, use coconut aminos as it's naturally low in sodium
- Miso paste is good for adding fermented depth without added salt
- For the most natural 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
- Mushroom powder is ideal for adding earthy umami without sodium
- Combine multiple natural umami sources for the most complex, satisfying taste
Notes on tamari
- Create a custom umami blend by combining coconut aminos, mushroom powder, and a touch of miso paste
- 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 natural 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 natural umami, use mushroom powder or seaweed flakes combined with water
Questions
10 questionsWhat's the best low sodium substitute for tamari?
Coconut aminos is the best low sodium substitute for tamari. It's naturally low in sodium and provides similar umami flavor while being both gluten-free and soy-free.
Is tamari high in sodium?
Tamari is moderately high in sodium, similar to soy sauce. If you're watching your sodium intake, consider using low sodium alternatives like coconut aminos or liquid aminos.
Can I use low sodium soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, low sodium soy sauce is a good substitute for tamari. It provides similar flavor with significantly less sodium, making it a healthier choice for those watching their salt intake.
What's the best natural low sodium substitute for tamari?
Miso paste diluted with water is the best natural low sodium substitute for tamari. It provides similar umami flavor through natural fermentation without added salt.
Can I use mushroom powder instead of tamari?
Yes, mushroom powder combined with water is a good low sodium substitute for tamari. It provides natural umami flavor without added salt.
What low sodium tamari substitute works best for stir-fries?
Coconut aminos or liquid aminos work best for stir-fries. Both provide similar umami flavor with lower sodium content.
Can I use seaweed flakes instead of tamari?
Yes, seaweed flakes combined with water is a good low sodium substitute for tamari. It provides natural umami flavor from the ocean without added salt.
What's the difference between tamari and low sodium tamari?
Low sodium tamari has reduced salt content while maintaining similar flavor. Regular tamari is moderately high in sodium, while low sodium versions have significantly less salt.
What's the best low sodium tamari substitute for marinades?
Coconut aminos or liquid aminos work best for marinades. Both provide similar umami flavor with lower sodium content.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of tamari?
Yes, vegetable broth combined with miso paste is a good low sodium substitute for tamari. It provides natural umami flavor without added salt.