Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Less Salt Soy Sauce — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Less Salt Soy Sauce by Kikkoman OKAY — score 60/90.

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) — Added back as a filler/texture agent; harmless but dilutes.
• soybeans (safe) — The fermented protein source that gives soy sauce its umami; whole-food ingredient.
• wheat (safe) — Co-fermented grain that develops flavor; means this is not gluten-free.
• Salt (moderate) — Added for taste and mild preservation. Fine in small amounts but adds to daily sodium.
• Spirit Vinegar (safe) — Mild acidity regulator and preservative.
• Sugar (concerning) — Added sugar, third by weight, feeds yeast and adds sweetness with no nutritional benefit.