Does Kecap manis sweet soy sauce contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredients list, it contains gluten (wheat) but does not contain dairy.

Is Kecap manis sweet soy sauce good for weight loss?

No, it is high in sugar and calories. It should be used sparingly if you are trying to lose weight.

Where can I buy Kecap manis sweet soy sauce?

It is widely available in the Asian food aisle of major supermarkets, specialty Asian grocery stores, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Kecap manis sweet soy sauce safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids in moderation. It does not contain caffeine, but the high sugar content means it should be treated as a condiment.

Is Kecap manis sweet soy sauce Gluten Free?

No, Kecap manis sweet soy sauce is not gluten-free. While the name highlights 'soy,' the traditional fermentation process almost always includes wheat, making it a hidden source of gluten. If you are strictly avoiding gluten, standard Kecap manis is not safe for consumption.

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this sauce is off-limits for gluten-sensitive individuals, we need to look at the chemistry of its production. Kecap manis is distinct from standard soy sauce due to its thick, molasses-like consistency, which is achieved through specific ingredients and fermentation.

The primary flag in the ingredient list is wheat. In traditional Indonesian production, Kecap manis is made by fermenting a paste of soybeans and wheat. While soybeans provide the savory umami base, wheat is essential for the fermentation process, providing the necessary starches to break down into sugars. This creates a complex flavor profile, but it also means the final product contains gluten proteins.

Another ingredient to note is sugar. Kecap manis is defined by its sweetness, which comes from a high concentration of sugar (often palm sugar, though granulated sugar is common). The input data notes that the sugar contains sodium metabisulphite. This is a preservative used to prevent discoloration in sugar and has no relation to gluten, but it is worth noting for those with sulphite sensitivities.

Finally, the presence of sodium benzoate acts as a shelf-life extender. Because Kecap manis has a high sugar content and low water activity, it is less prone to bacterial spoilage, but the sodium benzoate ensures stability once the bottle is opened. However, this preservative does not mitigate the gluten risk posed by the wheat content.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

wheat

Nutritional Value

Kecap manis is a calorie-dense condiment, primarily due to its sugar content. A standard tablespoon can contain upwards of 10-15 grams of sugar and 40-60 calories. It is very low in fat and provides a modest amount of protein from the soybeans, but the serving sizes are usually small.

For those monitoring their sugar intake, this sauce should be used sparingly. It fits into a diet as a flavor enhancer rather than a main ingredient, but it is not suitable for low-carb or keto diets due to the high carbohydrate load. Regarding gluten, the nutritional profile is irrelevant to safety; even a small amount of wheat makes it unsuitable for those with Celiac disease.