Does sushi soy sauce contain gluten?

Check the product label, including tamari

Never assume “tamari” is gluten-free. While traditional tamari uses little to no wheat, many commercial brands still add wheat.

• Always ask to see the original bottle or packet.
• Low-sodium soy sauces also contain wheat unless labeled gluten-free.

Example safe product: Kikkoman US Gluten-Free Soy Sauce is certified gluten-free and made with soybeans, rice, water and salt.

Is eel sauce gluten-free?

No. Eel sauce (unagi sauce or sweet soy glaze) is usually made with regular wheat-based soy sauce, mirin and sugar.

Example: Kikkoman US Unagi Sushi Sauce contains wheat and gluten.

Never scrape sauce off your sushi after it is served. The gluten has already soaked into the food. Order your rolls with no sauce applied.

Is spicy mayo gluten-free?

Spicy mayo is usually mayonnaise mixed with chili sauce, such as sriracha.

It can be gluten-free. Check the mayonnaise, chili sauce and any added soy sauce or seasoning.

Watch for sauces already on your sushi

Chefs often brush sauces onto nigiri or drizzle glaze across specialty rolls:

• Ponzu sauce: Usually contains wheat soy sauce and citrus.
• Teriyaki sauce: Almost always contains wheat soy sauce.
• Sweet glazes: Often made from soy sauce reductions.

Ask for your sushi to be made with no added sauces, and use your own certified gluten-free sauce for dipping.

Questions for the chef

1. Can you check that your soy sauce bottle or packet says “Gluten-Free”?
2. Does the roll filling, spicy mix or sauce brushed onto the food contain regular soy sauce?
3. Can you provide a clean dipping dish and clean sauce spoons?

Note on other food allergies

Gluten-free soy sauce is made from soybeans. If you have a soy allergy, gluten-free soy sauce is still not safe for you.