Soy Sauce — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 3, 2024
Soy sauce nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 53 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 5 g | 1.82% |
| Fiber | 1 g | 3.57% |
| Sugars | 1 g | 2% |
| Glycemic Index | 15 | - |
| Protein | 8 g | 16% |
| Sodium | 5493 mg | 238.83% |
| Total Fat | 1 | 1.28% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
15
🟢 Low Glycemic Index
1 g
🥕 Low Fat Content
Soy sauce facts & tips
Health benefits
- Enhances flavor in dishes, making them more enjoyable and palatable.
- Low in calories, making it a good option for adding flavor without significantly increasing calorie intake.
- Contains antioxidants such as ferulic acid, which help protect the body from free radicals.
- Provides small amounts of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and manganese.
Health risks
- High sodium content which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks when consumed frequently or in large quantities.
- Potential for allergic reactions in individuals with soy or wheat allergies, causing symptoms like itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.
- Potential for gluten content in traditional soy sauce, making it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Risk of overconsumption due to its strong flavor, leading to excessive sodium intake and potentially masking the natural flavors of food.
How to choose soy sauce
Quality soy sauce should have a deep, rich color and a strong umami flavor with a balance of sweetness and saltiness. The aroma should be appealing and not overly harsh.
Do not use soy sauce that appears overly thick or has sediment, which can indicate old or poor-quality sauce. Soy sauce with a dull color or a flavor that is too sharp should also be avoided, as it may overpower the dishes it is used in.
How to store soy sauce
Soy sauce should be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally in its original bottle. Refrigeration after opening helps maintain its flavor and extends its shelf life. Proper storage ensures that soy sauce remains fresh for several months.
Exposure to air and light can degrade the quality of soy sauce. Avoid leaving it uncovered or storing it near heat sources. Always ensure the bottle is tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and maintain its flavor.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Soy sauce can last for 2-3 years unopened when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 6-12 months.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover soy sauce can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to dishes like stir-fries, marinades, sauces, and soups. It’s a key ingredient in Asian cuisine and can also be used to enhance the flavor of grilled meats, rice dishes, and dressings.
Beyond cooking, soy sauce has a few unconventional uses. It can be used as a natural stain remover for clothing, particularly for grease stains; simply apply a small amount to the stain, let it sit, and then wash as usual. Soy sauce can also be used to add a rich color to DIY craft projects, such as homemade dyes for fabric or paper. Additionally, soy sauce can be mixed with other ingredients to create a natural wood stain, giving wooden items a deep, rich tone.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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