Coconut Aminos vs Soy Sauce

What is the difference between coconut aminos vs soy sauce? Is one healthier? Here’s the breakdown on these similar ingredients.

Coconut aminos and soy sauce both add that salty, savory umami flavor to dishes, but there are a few key differences. Here’s what to know about when to use them.

See also: Tamari vs Soy Sauce

How they differ

What’s the difference between these salty sauces? Here’s a breakdown:

• What is soy sauce? Soy sauce is a common ingredient in Asian cooking and beyond: it’s salty and contains loads of umami (savory flavor). Soy sauce is Chinese in origin and made from a fermented paste of soybeans and grains. It’s used in many cuisines to add a salty, savory component to sauces, marinades, stir-fries, and more.
• What is coconut aminos? Coconut aminos is a common substitute for soy sauce that is both gluten-free and soy-free! It’s made from the sap of the coconut palm. But it doesn’t taste like coconut: it’s like a milder version of soy sauce that is less salty. It has lots of umami and easily mimics soy sauce in recipes.

Bottom line: Coconut aminos is a gluten-free and soy-free substitute for soy sauce made from the sap of the coconut palm.

How to substitute them

Soy sauce and coconut aminos work as substitutes for each other! Here’s what to know about using them in recipes:

• Coconut aminos is a little less salty than soy sauce and slightly sweeter. Add a pinch or two of kosher salt when you use it as a soy sauce substitute. You can do this to taste: it doesn’t need an exact ratio.
• Soy sauce is a little saltier than coconut aminos, with a slightly more complex and developed flavor. When you use it as a coconut aminos substitute, use a little less than the recipe calls for.

Health and nutrition comparison

Some media claim that coconut aminos has more health benefits than soy sauce. Is it true? Here’s what to know:

• According to Healthline, there is no research that backs up any health benefits of coconut aminos.
• Coconut aminos is not rich in nutrients and should not be considered a health food. It is simply a condiment in the same way that soy sauce is a condiment.
• Coconut aminos does have less sodium than soy sauce, and is free from soy and gluten.

Bottom line: You can enjoy both soy sauce and coconut aminos in moderation in a healthy diet.

Recipes using either condiment

There are many healthy recipes where you can use soy sauce or coconut aminos as a seasoning! Here are a few to get you started:

• Fried Rice or Shrimp Fried Rice
• Pan Fried Tofu
• Quick Soba Noodles
• Grilled Bok Choy
• Coconut Shrimp Curry
• Easy Grilled Tofu
• Soba Noodle Bowl
• Broccoli Stir Fry
• Shrimp and Broccoli