Top 7 Soy Sauce Brands in the USA (You’ll Never Buy the Wrong One Again)

Ranked for Flavor, Quality & Value

Whether you're whipping up a stir-fry, marinating meat, or dipping sushi, the right soy sauce makes all the difference. But with dozens of brands out there, which soy sauces truly stand out?

Here’s a curated list of the Top 7 Soy Sauce Brands in the USA, based on taste tests, ingredient quality, popularity, and overall value.

🥇 1. Kikkoman Soy Sauce

Best For: Everyday Use & Versatility
Origin: Japan (U.S.-brewed version available)

Kikkoman is the most recognizable soy sauce brand in America—and for good reason. It offers a perfect balance of saltiness, umami, and sweetness. Naturally brewed for months, it's great for everything from stir-fries to dipping sauces.

✅ Non-GMO, naturally brewed
✅ Widely available
✅ Great balance of taste and affordability

🥈 2. Yamasa Soy Sauce

Best For: Authentic Japanese Dishes
Origin: Japan

Loved by chefs for its rich umami and smoother flavor compared to Kikkoman, Yamasa is a slightly darker soy sauce with a refined, less salty taste.

✅ Rich, deep flavor
✅ Ideal for sushi, sashimi, and ramen
✅ Higher in umami, lower in acidity

🥉 3. San-J Tamari Soy Sauce

Best For: Gluten-Free Diets
Origin: Japan (U.S.-based company)

San-J's Tamari is brewed with 100% soybeans and no wheat, making it gluten-free and richer than traditional soy sauces. It’s a top pick for people with allergies or for dipping sushi and gluten-free cooking.

✅ Gluten-free & non-GMO
✅ Deeper color, richer flavor
✅ Fermented up to 6 months

🧂 4. Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce

Best For: Chinese Cuisine
Origin: Hong Kong

A pantry staple in Chinese households, Lee Kum Kee has a more caramel-like color and sweetness, ideal for Cantonese dishes, fried rice, and dumplings.

✅ Balanced between savory and sweet
✅ Excellent for stir-fries and marinades
✅ Trusted by Asian chefs globally

🍱 5. Trader Joe’s Organic Soy Sauce

Best For: Budget Organic Cooking
Origin: U.S.

This USDA organic soy sauce offers a great bang for your buck with no artificial ingredients or preservatives. It’s mild but flavorful, great for home cooks seeking a clean-label option.

✅ Organic & budget-friendly
✅ No preservatives
✅ Great for daily cooking

🍜 6. Aloha Shoyu

Best For: Hawaiian & Fusion Cuisine
Origin: Hawaii, USA

A favorite in Hawaii, Aloha Shoyu is smoother and sweeter than Japanese soy sauce. It’s perfect for marinades, poke bowls, and Hawaiian BBQ.

✅ Milder, sweeter taste
✅ Smooth flavor great for marinades
✅ Popular in Pacific Island cuisine

🍶 7. Bragg Liquid Aminos

Best For: Health-Conscious Substitutes
Origin: U.S.

Not technically soy sauce, but this soy-based seasoning is used similarly. It's lower in sodium and loaded with essential amino acids, ideal for vegans and health-focused cooks.

✅ No artificial preservatives
✅ All-natural and gluten-free
✅ Soy sauce alternative for health-conscious diets

🏁 Final Thoughts: Which Soy Sauce Should You Choose?