Soy sauce is a staple condiment in many kitchens, adding depth and umami flavor to a wide variety of dishes. But is it acidic? In short, the answer is yes.
Here, I Will delve into the pH levels of soy sauce and whether it can be considered acidic. Understanding the acidity of soy sauce can help you make informed choices about your diet and cooking practices. So, let’s explore the science behind this beloved Asian seasoning and uncover whether soy sauce is indeed acidic.

What Is Soy Sauce?
Many types of food around the world use soy sauce as a seasoning, including Asian food. For its unique taste and smell, soybeans, wheat, salt, and water are mixed together and fermented for several months. Other ingredients may also be included in soy sauce, depending on the recipe and the region. Depending on its taste and quality, soy sauce can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to make.
The nutrients in soy sauce include amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The downside of soy sauce is that it also contains a lot of salt, which can be harmful to your health.
Types of Soy Sauce
Variations of soy sauce go beyond the simple. Different varieties from different places in Asia complement specific recipes. You can choose from hundreds of types at your local Asian market.
Light Soy Sauce
The most common kind is found in supermarkets and restaurants. You can use it as a condiment or in recipes that call for “soy sauce.”
Dark Soy Sauce
The taste of this type of soy sauce is sweeter and deeper because it is thicker and darker. The sweetness may make it taste less salty than conventional light soy sauce, even though the sodium concentration remains the same (or lower). Sauces for beef and broccoli, as well as fried rice, contain it.
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
You can substitute low-sodium soy sauce for regular soy sauce if you’re on a low-sodium diet. As soon as the sauce is brewed, it loses its sodium content. Compared to 550 mg of salt, 1 tablespoon of conventional soy sauce contains 900 mg of sodium.
Is Soy Sauce Acidic?
Yes, soy sauce does contain a lot of acid. The pH level of the solution is between 4.5 and 5.5. Lactic acid bacteria produce acid by converting glucose. In addition, it contains over ten organic acids, including succinic acid. By adding these organic acids, the taste is enhanced, and the saltiness is reduced. This is why soy sauce tastes sweet, salty, and umami at the same time. You can reduce the acidity of soy sauce by adding small amounts of baking soda.
Soy sauce is made from soured tofu. Soybeans are first soaked in water. To partially break down the protein, they are steamed at a high temperature for a short time. After 180 days, the beans are pickled. After being mixed and boiled, soy sauce is ready.
Soy Sauce and Acid Reflux
Sodium Content and Acid Reflux
Many types of soy sauce contain a lot of sodium, which can cause acid reflux. If you suffer from acid reflux, it is important to watch how much sodium you consume. You can choose low-sodium options to reduce your sodium intake.
Fermented Foods and Acid Reflux
Alternatively, some natural health advocates say fermented foods, like soy sauce, can aid digestion and improve gut health, which can alleviate acid reflux symptoms. There is still not enough information to fully understand the link between fermented foods and acid reflux.
Personal Tolerance to Soy Sauce
Soy sauce may cause acid reflux depending on your personal taste. Some people with acid reflux experience worse symptoms when they eat soy sauce, and others don’t. You might be able to discover if soy sauce is a trigger for you by writing down what you eat and how you feel.
Is soy sauce bad for you?
It is useful, even though it is only used in small amounts. Soy contains isoflavones. As a result of these chemicals, cholesterol is lowered and menopause symptoms are eased. A large number of antioxidants are found in it, which protect cells against free radical damage.
Soy sauce contains probiotics, which are good bacteria that may reduce the risk of some long-term diseases, like heart disease and cancer. They can boost the immune system and improve gut health. A fermentation process creates the probiotics that give soy sauce its unique taste and smell.
When used in small amounts, soy sauce is good for you, but when used in large amounts, it can be bad for you. There is a lot of salt in it, which can raise blood pressure and cause heart disease or a stroke. Wheat allergy is also common in celiac disease patients.
What Are the Substitutes for Soy Sauce?
Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
You can now choose a low-sodium version of many types of soy sauce. The salt content of these sauces is usually about 25% lower than that of regular soy sauce.
Coconut Aminos
It may be a good idea to use coconut aminos if you want something that does not contain soy. The sauce is made from coconut sap and does not contain wheat, soy, or gluten. The taste is a little sweeter than soy sauce, but you can use it the same way.
Tamari Sauce
Tamari sauce is a type of soy sauce that does not contain gluten or wheat. It tastes more salty, like umami, than regular soy sauce.
Liquid Aminos
To make this dark drink, soy milk and coconut sap can be used. You should choose ones that don’t contain soy if you are allergic to it.
Worcestershire Sauce
A sour sauce is made by mixing vinegar, molasses, anchovies, garlic, tamarind, chili pepper, and salt. Although it doesn’t taste like soy sauce, it will still give your food a rich, umami flavor.
How Do You Make Soy Sauce Less Acidic?
To make soy sauce less acidic, you can try diluting it with a bit of water. This can help to balance out the acidity and mellow out the flavor. Another option is to add a small amount of sugar or honey to the soy sauce, as sweetness can help counteract acidity. Additionally, mixing in a splash of vinegar or citrus juice can reduce the overall acidity of the soy sauce while adding a hint of brightness to the flavor profile. Experimenting with these different methods can help you find the perfect balance for your taste preferences when using soy sauce in your dishes.
Does Soy Sauce Give You Heartburn?
Yes. Some people get heartburn when they eat soy sauce because it is sour. Soy sauce has a pH of 4.5 to 5.5. Acid reflux has many causes. This can be influenced by genetics, weight, lifestyle, and diet.
Among the most common causes are:
- Excessive consumption of acidic foods
- Taking huge portions of food.
- A lack of chewing ability.
- Fatty foods are consumed.
Soy sauce can only cause heartburn via the first method. Foods that are acidic, like tomatoes, can trigger heartburn, and soy sauce is also quite acidic.
Final Words
Soy sauce typically has a pH level of 4.5 to 5.5, which makes it slightly acidic when considering its acidity. Soy sauce is tangy because of its acidity, which enhances various dishes. The acidity of soy sauce should be taken into account when balancing flavors in your culinary creations. It’s important to understand the acidity of soy sauce when marinating, stir-frying, or using it as a dipping sauce.