Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for soy sauce
Best swap for soy sauce: Tamari, 1:1; gluten-free if the label says so.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Soy Sauce?
The best swap for Soy Sauce is Tamari, 1:1; gluten-free if the label says so. Another option is Coconut Aminos, 1:1; slightly sweeter, less salty. The table below also lists Liquid Aminos, Mushroom Soy Sauce and Worcestershire Sauce, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Tamari | 1:1; gluten-free if the label says so |
| Coconut aminos | 1:1; slightly sweeter, less salty |
| Liquid aminos | 1:1; a similar salt level with a slightly sweeter, less fermented flavor Diet and health: Made from soybeans, so it is no help with a soy allergy; Bragg's lists 310 mg sodium per teaspoon. |
| Mushroom soy sauce | 1:1; soy sauce with added mushroom extract, a little sweeter, darker and more savory |
| Worcestershire sauce | use about half and expect a different dish; it is thinner, sweeter and tangier, and it contains anchovy, so it is not vegetarian |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Bragg, Liquid Aminos (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Buying more? Storage times for soy sauce