Coconut Aminos vs. Soy Sauce

Ever wondered the difference between Coconut Aminos vs. Soy Sauce? These two salty, umami condiments taste very similar but are quite different when it comes to how they’re made and their nutritional content.

Soy sauce in a small bowl with sesame seeds on a wooden board, accompanied by sushi rolls and chopsticks, garnished with fresh parsley.

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Coconut Aminos vs. Soy Sauce: What’s the difference?

Everyone knows soy sauce, the red and green bottles that are a staple at Asian restaurants everywhere, from your favorite sushi spot to your go-to takeout place.

But if you’ve ever made a fakeout-takeout recipe that mimics Asian cuisine, like General Tso Shrimp or Kung Pao Chicken, you may have come across an ingredient you’ve never heard of before: coconut aminos.

This plant-based liquid condiment is a slightly lighter color than dark soy sauce, and it contains less sodium than traditional soy sauce. That’s why you’ll usually find it in Whole30 and Keto recipes.

Both of these sauces have a salty, umami flavor that lifts up a dish. Both can be used as a dipping sauce for sushi, mixed into salad dressings or added to sauce recipes.

Soy Sauce

What It Is

Soy sauce is a popular condiment from Japan made from fermenting soy beans, wheat, salt and water. The flavor is salty, briny and umami.

How It’s Made

According to Kikkoman, a popular brand of Japanese soy sauce, soybeans and wheat are heated and crushed, then mixed with Kikkoman Aspergillus, a kind of mold. The ingredients rest for three days, then combined with salty water.

Finally, the mixture ferments for several months and is then pressed with fabric to release the liquid that is finally bottled as soy sauce.

Where to Buy It

Soy sauce is generally available at any grocery store, usually in the international aisle.

Two small glass bowls of soy sauce and coconut aminos on a wooden cutting board.

Uses for Soy Sauce

Try soy sauce as a dipping sauce for sushi or drizzle it over jasmine rice. It’s also used in sauces, dressings and marinades. Try it in this Honey Pork Belly with its Honey Soy Marinade.

However, soy sauce contains soy beans, wheat and mold, which are common allergens. Soy sauce isn’t typically used in Whole30 or Keto cooking.

Coconut Aminos

What it is

Coconut aminos are a lighter condiment, similar to soy sauce. However, the flavor is sweeter and the color is lighter. It isn’t quite as salty as soy sauce, so be prepared to add salt.

How it’s made

Made from coconut sap, specifically the nectar of the flowers of the coconut plant, not the coconut fruit. After the sap is extracted, it is stored and aged in

Where to buy it

Common brands are Bragg’s and Coconut Secret. You can also find it at many grocery stores, including Trader Joe’s and Thrive Market.

A person dips a sushi roll into soy sauce using chopsticks, with more sushi and pickled ginger on the side.

Uses for Coconut Aminos

Because they don’t contain soy and wheat — two common allergens in soy sauce — coconut aminos are a great substitute for soy sauce.

You can use it just like soy sauce — drizzle it over this egg roll in a bowl. Try it in this soy-free teriyaki sauce or in a salmon marinade. Be prepared to adjust the amount of salt used.

Pouring coconut aminos into a small bowl on a wooden cutting board, with a bowl of sesame seeds and fresh parsley nearby.

Which Is Better for You?

Soy sauce typically contains a lot of sodium. If you prefer the flavor of soy sauce, opt for a low-sodium version instead.

But if you need a gluten-free, soy-free condiment, coconut aminos may be the better choice. It is best for Whole30 and keto cooking, as it doesn’t contain soybeans (which are legumes) or wheat.