Discover their key similarities and differences, and share whether one is a more nutritious option than the other.
What is tamari?
Tamari is a popular punch in of Japanese soy sauce.
Fun fact: The word umami translates to pleasant savory taste in Japanese.
What is soy sauce?
Soy sauceof which there are many different kindsis one of the most significant staples in Asian cuisine.
Seattle, Washington-based dietitian specializing in gut health
While it originally hails from China, its present across many East and Southeast Asian dishes.
Chinese varieties aside, youll also find different types of soy sauce in everything fromKorean condimentstoFilipino sauces.
Tamari is typically wheat-free and has a higher concentration of soy in the form of miso.
Tamari generally contains slightly less sodium than regular soy sauce.
Is tamari healthier than soy sauce?
She adds that tamari also offerssmall amounts of B vitamins, zinc, copper, manganese, and potassium.
Most dark Asian sauces contain wheat, so tamari stands out as an ideal choice, says VenHuizen.
While traditional soy sauce contains wheat, gluten-free options exist.
Of course, be sure to double-check labels if youre dealing with either of these conditions.
Seattle, Washington-based dietitian specializing in gut health
In addition, those with a soy allergy should abstain from eating both.
Yet sometimes it may be more ideal to use tamari vs. soy sauce (and vice versa).
On the other hand, soy sauce is particularly suitable for marinating.
So your best bet is to opt for a low-sodium version of either tasty condiment.
FAQs
Does tamari have MSG?
Naturally brewed tamari does not contain added monosodium glutamate (MSG), says Wong.
However, theres a chance MSG may exist as a byproduct of the fermentation process.
Is too much tamari bad for you?
Though tamari offers a smattering of beneficial compounds, there can be too much of a good thing.
Does tamari need to be refrigerated?
Since tamari lacks preservatives, Wong recommends refrigerating it after opening to maintain its flavor and quality.
They vary in flavor and consistency.
Here are some brands to consider.
Miso: A traditional nutritious & health-endorsing fermented product.Food science & nutritionvol.
15 Sep. 2022, doi:10.1002/fsn3.3029
Chin, K W et al.
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