Coconut Aminos vs Tamari - Which is Best for Me?
Soy sauce is one of the most popular seasonings in a kitchen, particularly associated with Asian cuisines. But chances are that, if you’re looking to lower your sodium intake, you’ve been hunting for soy sauce substitutes. But how to pick in between so many gluten-free, lower in sodium alternatives in the market now? Fret not! We want to help you know more about two of the most popular soy sauce alternatives: Coconut Aminos and Tamari.
What is Tamari?
As mentioned before, Tamari is one of the most popular replacements for soy sauce, mainly due to their sharing of a main ingredient: Soy. However, tamari is formed as a byproduct of miso paste and has no added roasted wheat, making it a great gluten-free alternative, but still keeping the umami flavor and the thick texture of soy.
Can You Substitute Coconut Aminos for Tamari?
Both Coconut Aminos and Tamari are great substitutes for soy sauce, and as such, are also pretty effective at replacing each other in recipes. However, it should be considered that Tamari boasts a bolder flavor profile, being considered even stronger than soy sauce as it doesn’t have the neutralizing notes of wheat, which should be considered when substituting one for the other, in broad a 1:1 ratio is recommended.
How Does Coconut Aminos Differ from Tamari?
The main difference between the two is that Tamari still uses soy as one of its main ingredients, as opposed to Coconut Aminos, which are made from coconut tree sap. As such, Coconut Aminos are not only a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, but are also a broader allergy-friendly substitute as it doesn’t contain soy; making it a popular ingredient on the paleo, keto and Whole 30 diets. It is worth noting that although it’s low sodium, it is not salt-free and should still be consumed moderately. Nevertheless, it is definitely an allergy-friendly substitute since it doesn’t contain soy or wheat; which has also made it a popular ingredient on the paleo, keto and Whole 30 diets.
When Does it Make Sense to Use Tamari Over Coconut Aminos?
You should use Tamari if you’re looking for a stronger umami flavor, as in preparation of gyoza or fried rice, as it will complement the heavier flavors better. However, if you’re looking to eliminate soy from your diet, Coconut Aminos are definitely the way to go. Additionally, they will be compatible with a wider range of flavors as the intensity of the umami flavor is considerably more tamed; it will be a great option for soups, sauces and marinade.
Which is Better: Coconut Aminos or Tamari?
Overall coconut aminos prove to be a great alternative to soy sauce and tamari, providing a soy-free, gluten-free, low sodium option for your diet; so if you’re trying to make healthier nutrition choices, this is a great simple way to start. However, which fairs better is completely up to your taste preference, and you won’t know the answer until you try it.
You can find our industry leading Coconut Aminos by Coconut Secret at many health stores across the United States and even purchase them online to start your health journey!