The Truth About Soy Sauce in UK Supermarkets
It is the ultimate way to instantly add flavour to your stir fry or perk up a bland sauce. However, not all soy sauces are created equal. Traditional versions consist of a simple mix of soybeans, wheat, salt, and water, which then undergoes fermentation. This process, where food is left to soak in its own juices without oxygen, not only preserves the food but also appears to enhance its nutritional value.
Inauthentic Soy Sauces Dominate Shelves
Many soy sauces available in UK supermarkets are considered 'inauthentic'. They often contain hidden sugars, caramels, and preservatives, while some have almost no real soy in them. In fact, out of the 11 popular brands assessed by the Daily Mail, only two soy sauces contained the simple traditional mix, which is thought to be a healthier option.
These included Aldi's new Specially Selected Naturally-brewed Soy Sauce, which has delighted nutritionists who have rushed to praise the item online for having 'no junk' added to it. So, whether you are using the condiment as a dip for your sushi or in a stir-fry, knowing the difference between 'real' and 'fake' soy sauce can help you avoid any unwanted additives.
Brand-by-Brand Analysis
Blue Dragon Light Soy Sauce - 375ml
Price: £2.04
Ingredients: Water, Soy Sauce Extract (15%) Water, Defatted Soya Bean (5%), Salt, Roasted Wheat, Sugar, Salt, Colour (Plain Caramel), Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)
Verdict: NOT AUTHENTIC. The recipe contains sugar, preservatives, and acid, so it is not the real, traditional deal.
Co-op Chinese Menu Light Soy Sauce - 150ml
Price: 71p
Ingredients: Water, Soy Sauce Extract (20%) (Water, Defatted Soya (allergen) Bean, Salt, Roasted Wheat(allergen)), Salt, Sugar, Caramelised Glucose-Fructose Syrup, Acidity Regulator (Lactic acid), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)
Verdict: NOT AUTHENTIC. The acid, preservative, and sugar rule it out as a traditional soy sauce.
Morrisons Light Soy Sauce - 150ml
Price: 90p
Ingredients: Water, Salt, Sugar, Soybean (3%), Wheat Flour, Colour (Plain Caramel), Yeast Extract Powder, Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)
Verdict: NOT AUTHENTIC. It contains yeast and an acidity regulator, so it does not follow the traditional recipe.
ASDA Light Soy Sauce - 150ml
Price: 55p
Ingredients: Water, Soy Sauce Extract (20%) (Water, Soya Beans, Salt, Wheat), Salt, Sugar, Caramelised Sugar Syrup, Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)
Verdict: NOT AUTHENTIC. The sugar syrup and preservative suggest it is not soy sauce in the traditional sense.
Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce - 150ml
Price: £2
Ingredients: Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt
Verdict: AUTHENTIC.
Kikkoman Soy Sauce - 250ml
Price: £3.35
Ingredients: Water, Soybeans, Wheat, Salt
Verdict: AUTHENTIC.
Lee Kum Kee Premium Light Soy Sauce - 500ml
Price: £2.30
Ingredients: Water, Soybeans (17.5%), Salt, Sugar, Wheat Flour
Verdict: ALMOST AUTHENTIC. It has sugar added to it, however some would suggest that this is still an authentic recipe.
Sainsbury's Light Soy Sauce - 150ml
Price: 55p
Ingredients: Water, Soy Sauce (15%) (Water, Soy Bean (Soya), Salt, Wheat Flour), Sugar, Salt, Colour: Plain Caramel; Yeast Extract, Acidity Regulator: Lactic Acid; Preservative: Potassium Sorbate
Verdict: NOT AUTHENTIC. It contains yeast, which likely is not included in the most traditional of versions.
Waitrose Light Soy Sauce - 150ml
Price: £1.35
Ingredients: Water, salt, sugar, soya sauce extract (6%) (water, soya beans, wheat flour, salt), colour (plain caramel), acidity regulator (lactic acid), preservative (potassium sorbate)
Verdict: NOT AUTHENTIC. The added caramel, acid, and potassium sorbate do not follow a traditional recipe.
Tesco Light Soy Sauce - 150ml
Price: 55p
Ingredients: Water, Soy Sauce Extract (20%) (Water, Soya Bean, Salt, Wheat), Sugar, Caramelised Sugar Syrup, Acidity Regulator (Lactic Acid), Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)
Verdict: NOT AUTHENTIC. It contains sugar syrup and a preservative.
Amoy Light Soy Sauce - 150ml
Price: £2
Ingredients: Soy Sauce Extract (51%) (Water, Soybean, Salt, Wheat Flour), Water, Sugar, Salt, Colour - Plain Caramel, Acidity Regulators - Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Preservative - Potassium Sorbate, Flavour Enhancers - E631 and E627
Verdict: NOT AUTHENTIC. It contains caramel as well as flavour enhancers.
Aldi Specially Selected Naturally-brewed Soy Sauce
Ingredients: Water, Soya beans (20%), Wheat, Salt
Verdict: AUTHENTIC.
Conclusion
This analysis highlights the prevalence of inauthentic soy sauces in UK supermarkets, with only Aldi and Kikkoman offering traditional, additive-free options. Consumers are advised to check labels carefully to ensure they are getting a healthier, genuine product.
