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Kikkoman naturally brewed soy sauce is the most widely sold soy sauce in UK supermarkets. It is the dark glass bottle with the red cap that most people reach for when a recipe calls for soy sauce. But is it actually good, and should you be using something else? This review covers the flavour, ingredients, uses and value of Kikkoman soy sauce to help you decide.
What is Kikkoman soy sauce?
Kikkoman is a Japanese soy sauce brand founded in 1917 (though the family brewing history goes back to 1661). Their standard product is a “naturally brewed” soy sauce made by fermenting a mixture of soy, wheat, water and salt using the traditional honjozo method. The fermentation takes several months and produces the complex, umami-rich flavour the brand is known for.
Ingredients
Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce contains: water, soybeans, wheat, salt. That is it. No colour, no preservatives, no flavour enhancers. The simplicity is one of its strengths.
Flavour: what does Kikkoman taste like?
Kikkoman has a clean, well-rounded flavour with good salty depth, a natural sweetness from the fermentation, and a subtle fruity, slightly vinous note from the wheat. The saltiness is present but not harsh. Compared to Chinese light soy sauces (like Pearl River Bridge or Amoy), Kikkoman is less salty and more rounded. Compared to dark soy sauce, it is much less thick and not as intensely flavoured.
The flavour works in almost any recipe that calls for soy sauce, which is part of why it has become the default choice in the UK.
How it performs in cooking
- Stir fries — adds good flavour without overpowering. The lower salt level gives you more control.
- Marinades — the natural sugars in Kikkoman help with caramelisation when grilling or roasting
- Dipping sauce — good as a dipping sauce for gyoza and sushi, especially thinned with a little mirin
- Teriyaki sauce — works well as the soy sauce base in a homemade teriyaki
- Japanese broths — a solid choice for ramen tare and noodle dipping sauces
Is Kikkoman the best soy sauce to buy?
For everyday use and general cooking, Kikkoman is a strong choice. The natural brewing process, clean ingredients and balanced flavour make it a reliable all-rounder. It is not the cheapest soy sauce on the shelf, but the quality justifies the price.
For specific Asian cuisines, a more specialist choice may give better results: Chinese cooking benefits from a proper Chinese light soy sauce; Korean cooking often calls for a Korean soy sauce (ganjang) with a different flavour profile. But if you only want to keep one soy sauce in the cupboard, Kikkoman is a sensible choice.
Value for money
The 150 ml bottles at checkout are expensive per millilitre. The 600 ml or 1 litre bottles from supermarkets or Asian grocery stores are much better value. You can also order the larger Kikkoman bottles on Amazon UK, where multi-packs work out cheaper per bottle.
Kikkoman product range
- Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce — the standard version reviewed here
- Less Salt Soy Sauce — 43% less sodium, useful if you are watching salt intake
- Gluten Free Tamari — brewed without wheat, suitable for coeliacs
- Teriyaki Marinade — a ready-made teriyaki sauce
- Sweet Soy Sauce — a thicker, sweeter version
Verdict
Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce is a well-made, clean and versatile soy sauce that works well in most recipes. The natural brewing process and simple ingredients set it apart from many cheaper alternatives. It is the right choice for a general-purpose soy sauce, especially if you cook a mix of Japanese, Thai and general Asian-inspired dishes. Buy the large bottle for best value.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kikkoman soy sauce gluten free?
Standard Kikkoman soy sauce contains wheat and is not gluten free. Kikkoman does make a gluten free tamari soy sauce that is brewed without wheat and is suitable for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance. Look for the green label.
Is Kikkoman soy sauce the same as Chinese soy sauce?
No. Kikkoman is a Japanese soy sauce. Chinese soy sauces (like Pearl River Bridge light soy or Amoy) have a different flavour profile — typically saltier and less rounded. Both use fermented soy but the ratio of soy to wheat and the fermentation process differ.
Does Kikkoman soy sauce need to be refrigerated?
Kikkoman recommends refrigerating the sauce after opening to preserve the flavour. An unopened bottle keeps in a cool cupboard. Once opened and kept at room temperature, the flavour gradually changes over time; refrigeration slows this.
Where can I buy Kikkoman soy sauce?
Kikkoman is available in virtually all UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons and ASDA. Larger bottles are available from Asian grocery stores and online.
