Savory Picks: Top-Rated Soy Sauce Brands for Authentic Flavor

Soy sauce is a staple ingredient in many kitchens, offering a distinct umami flavor that enhances a variety of dishes. Choosing the right brand can elevate the taste experience, as each brand often brings its unique twist to this traditional seasoning. Factors such as fermentation process, ingredients, and regional authenticity play significant roles in determining the best soy sauce brand for your palate. Intrigued to find out which brands top the list and what makes them stand out? Read on to discover more about the finest soy sauce brands available today.

Illustration of soy sauce

Best brands of soy sauce in 2025

Kikkoman

Kikkoman, established in 1917 after the merging of eight family-run companies with roots tracing back to the 17th century, is the world's leading soy sauce manufacturer, holding a 65.6% retail market share in 2023. Known for its naturally brewed soy sauce that uses only four ingredients: soybeans, wheat, water, and salt, Kikkoman is enjoyed in over 100 countries worldwide. The brand serves as the official supplier to the Japanese Imperial Court, highlighting its esteemed reputation. With sales in the U.S. accounting for 80% of their overseas sales in 2000, Kikkoman's global influence continues to grow.

Yamasa

Established in 1645 in Choshi, Japan, Yamasa Corporation is a leading soy sauce producer, recognized for its traditional brewing methods and high-quality products, with a history that spans over three centuries. In 2014, Yamasa was the second largest soy sauce manufacturer in Japan, contributing to 56.6% of the total production by the top six companies. The company currently offers a variety of soy sauces, including their signature Koikuchi, made with just four natural ingredients: water, soybeans, wheat, and salt. Today, Yamasa is one of the top soy sauce brands and is distributed worldwide, including the US where they have a brewery since 1994, and continues to be a favorite of many chefs.

Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee, established in 1888 by Mr. Lee Kum Sheung, is a renowned global brand, producing over 300 varieties of sauces and condiments, including soy sauce, and is known for its commitment to quality, using non-GM soybeans in its soy sauce production and employing a continuous steam cooking and fermentation system; the company's soy sauce production is substantial, with its Zhongshan factory aiming for 500,000 tonnes annually, and a new factory in Yangxi targeting 1 million tonnes, all while maintaining its core values of pragmatism and integrity. The global soy sauce market is projected to reach $2508.81 million by 2031, and Lee Kum Kee's presence in over 100 countries demonstrates its commitment to promoting Chinese culinary culture.

San-J

San-J, a family-owned company established in 1804 in Japan, is a renowned producer of premium tamari soy sauce, which is brewed with 100% soy, unlike typical soy sauces that use only 40-60% soy and often include wheat, and they use a fermentation process that can take up to six months, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor with over 30% more umami. Their commitment to quality extends to using non-GMO and organic soybeans, primarily sourced from the US Midwest, and their production facility in Virginia was chosen for its ideal climate for fermentation, which is similar to Japan. San-J's tamari also offers gluten-free and reduced sodium options, catering to various dietary needs, and their product line includes a wide range of Asian-inspired sauces and foods.

Pearl River Bridge

Pearl River Bridge, established in 1958, is a leading Chinese food manufacturer known for its high-quality soy sauces, produced using traditional brewing methods and premium ingredients, with over 100 days of fermentation. They export over 50,000 tons annually to more than 120 countries and regions and are considered a top 1% manufacturer in the industry.

ABC

ABC brand, established in 1975, is recognized as a leading producer of soy sauce, particularly the sweet variety known as kecap manis, which is a best-selling product featuring unique ingredients from Java, Indonesia. Although it is the second largest-selling soy sauce brand globally, its market share in Indonesia faced competition in the early 2000s, even as it generates about $100 million in annual sales worldwide. Known for its thick, rich texture and versatile use in marinades, dipping sauces, and various dishes, ABC offers a wide array of products including sweet, salty, and chili sauces. Their products can be found in many Asian supermarkets across North America and Canada, all under the iconic three-leaf clover logo. For more information, you can visit their website.

Kimlan

Kimlan, established in 1936, is a leading Taiwanese soy sauce producer, known for its commitment to quality ingredients and traditional brewing methods, holding a significant market share of over 30% in Taiwan and earning the prestigious Diamond Taste Award for over seven consecutive years; the company produces 35,000 tons of soy sauce per year, and has expanded globally while maintaining rigorous quality control, including being the first soy sauce producer in Taiwan to receive GMP certification in 1989 and producing Taiwan’s first locally-produced organic soy sauce in 2017, demonstrating their dedication to both tradition and innovation. For more information, you can visit their official website.

Ohsawa

Ohsawa, a highly regarded producer of soy sauce, offers a range of traditionally crafted products, including their Nama Shoyu, which is unpasteurized and aged in cedarwood kegs for at least two summers, using organic whole soybeans, mountain spring water, and organic whole wheat, resulting in a rich, umami flavor with a 16% salt content. Often considered the "champagne of soy sauces" due to its exceptional quality, Nama Shoyu is available at various retailers, including Gold Mine Natural Foods.

Aloha Shoyu

Established in 1946 by five local Japanese families in Hawaii, Aloha Shoyu has become a market leader in soy sauce, capturing over 65% of the market share in Hawaii, and expanded its product line to include various sauces, marinades, and vinegars. Their commitment to local roots and quality has made Aloha Shoyu a favorite among islanders and visitors. You can find more information on their products on their website.

Wan Ja Shan

Wan Ja Shan, established in 1945, is a leading manufacturer of naturally brewed soy sauce in Taiwan and the United States, distributing its products globally to retailers, restaurants, and food processors. They are renowned for their traditional brewing methods, crafting 100% naturally brewed soy sauce, and offer a wide range of products, including organic and gluten-free options. Wan Ja Shan also produces a variety of sauces and condiments, with their soy sauce being the foundation for many of their offerings, and their name translates to "Aroma to 10,000 Households." Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of non-GMO soybeans, and they have received recognition from Food and Wine Magazine as one of the best tasting soy sauces. For more information, you can visit their website.