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Soy Sauce

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Soy Sauce healthy?

Soy Sauce scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This soy sauce is minimally processed and contains a short ingredient list, which is generally positive.

How processed is Soy Sauce?

Soy Sauce is NOVA Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Soy Sauce's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Sodium benzoate is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Soy Sauce

Fusia
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Aldi
Category Condiments
Summary

This soy sauce is minimally processed and contains a short ingredient list, which is generally positive. However, the presence of sodium benzoate, a synthetic preservative, slightly detracts from its overall healthiness. While sodium benzoate is commonly used and considered safe, it can form harmful compounds under certain conditions, which warrants a moderate penalty.

Key ingredients 3

Wheat
Neutral

Wheat is a common grain used in many food products, providing carbohydrates and some protein. It is typically processed to remove the bran and germ, which can reduce its nutritional value. In soy sauce, wheat contributes to the fermentation process and flavor profile.

Risks

Wheat contains gluten, which can cause adverse reactions in individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Benefits

Wheat provides carbohydrates that can be a source of energy. It also contributes to the flavor and texture of soy sauce.

See more about Wheat →
Soybeans
Neutral

Soybeans are a legume rich in protein and used in various fermented products like soy sauce. They undergo fermentation, which can enhance digestibility and flavor. The fermentation process also reduces some anti-nutrients present in raw soybeans.

Risks

Soybeans contain phytoestrogens, which may affect hormone levels in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Soybeans are a good source of plant-based protein and contain essential amino acids. Fermentation can improve their digestibility and nutritional profile.

See more about Soybeans →
Sodium benzoate
Bad

Sodium benzoate is a preservative used to extend shelf life by inhibiting microbial growth. It is synthetically produced and commonly used in acidic foods. While generally recognized as safe, it can form benzene, a carcinogen, under certain conditions.

Risks

There is a potential risk of benzene formation when sodium benzoate is combined with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in acidic conditions.

Benefits

Sodium benzoate effectively prevents spoilage and extends the shelf life of food products.

See more about Sodium benzoate →

Processing

Group 1 · Minimally processed

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

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