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Soy sauce substitute

Sauces, wine and pantry liquids · Checked against 1 source · Updated November 4, 2026

Quick answer

Tamari swaps 1 for 1 and is often wheat-free, but check the label. Coconut aminos also swaps 1 for 1 for soy-free, gluten-free cooking, though it is sweeter and less salty, so add salt to taste. Regular soy sauce traditionally contains wheat.

How much do you need?

Fractions work: 1 1/2, ¾, 0.5. The amounts below update as you type.

Show only options that are

What to use

  1. Tamari

    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
    • Nut-free
    • Egg-free
    • 1 tbsp 15 ml tamari
    Best for
    Stir-fries, marinades, dipping.
    What changes
    Usually richer and slightly less salty. Check the label: some tamari contains wheat.
    Skip it when
    Soy allergy.

  2. Coconut aminos

    • Vegan
    • Dairy-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Egg-free
    • 1 tbsp 15 ml coconut aminos
    Best for
    Soy-free and gluten-free cooking.
    What changes
    Sweeter, less salty. Add a pinch of salt.
    Skip it when
    Recipes where saltiness leads.

Diet labels describe the ingredients as normally made. Check packages for gluten and allergens. Some refined sugar is filtered with bone char, which matters if you eat vegan.

Which swap for which job

UsePickWhy
Stir-friesTamariClosest.
Soy allergyCoconut aminosNo soy.

Do not substitute here

  • Celiac disease. Regular soy sauce. It is traditionally made with wheat.

Questions

Is all tamari gluten-free?

No. Some brands contain wheat. Look for a gluten-free label.

Sources

Ratios come from these sources, in our words. Where they disagree, we say so or pick the amount that matches tested results. Ratios are a starting point. Taste and adjust.