Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Less Salt Soy Sauce — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Less Salt Soy Sauce by Kikkoman OKAY — score 62/90.

A clean, naturally brewed soy sauce with just six recognizable ingredients and no artificial additives. The catch is sodium: even the reduced-salt version is very salty, so use it sparingly.

Why this verdict

• Just six ingredients, all recognizable, no artificial additives
• Naturally brewed and fermented, not chemically hydrolyzed
• No colorings, preservatives or flavor enhancers (unlike many soy sauces)
• Still high in sodium even at 40 percent less salt, so use sparingly
• A small amount of added sugar, though a minor factor in a condiment

Ingredients (6)

• Water (safe) — Used as a basic ingredient in bread.
• soybeans (safe) — The fermented protein source that gives soy sauce its savory umami depth.
• wheat (safe) — Fermented for flavor and aroma; contains gluten.
• Salt (moderate) — Used in moderation, might exceed necessary amount.
• Spirit Vinegar (safe) — Adds tang and helps preserve; negligible health impact.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.