MSG and Artificial Flavor Enhancers
Many mass-produced soy sauces add monosodium glutamate or other flavor enhancers to compensate for the lack of depth from natural fermentation.
What to Look For in a Quality Soy Sauce
“Naturally Brewed” or “Traditionally Brewed”
Look for these words on the label. Traditionally brewed soy sauce is made by fermenting soybeans, wheat, salt, and water over several months. The process creates a rich, complex flavor naturally.
Short, Simple Ingredient List
A good soy sauce should contain only four ingredients: soybeans, wheat, salt, and water. Some variations may include a small amount of alcohol as a natural preservative. A long list of unfamiliar ingredients is a red flag.
“Non-GMO” or “Organic” Certification
These labels indicate that the soybeans used were grown without synthetic pesticides and are not genetically modified.
Look for “Koji” or “Aspergillus Oryzae”
These are the traditional molds used in the fermentation process. Seeing them on the ingredient list is a sign of authentic brewing.
A Simple Way to Test Quality
Pour a small amount of soy sauce into a spoon and taste it. Naturally brewed soy sauce has a complex, savory flavor with subtle sweetness and depth. Chemically brewed soy sauce tastes sharp, salty, and one-dimensional.
A Kind Reminder
A good bottle of traditionally brewed soy sauce may cost a little more, but it lasts a long time and adds genuine flavor to your cooking. Your taste buds and your body will notice the difference.
