Does Less Sodium Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredients list, this sauce does not contain dairy. However, it does contain wheat, meaning it contains gluten and is not safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Is Less Sodium Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce good for weight loss?

Not particularly. While the sodium is reduced, the high sugar content adds empty calories that can stimulate appetite and fat storage, counteracting weight loss efforts.

Where can I buy Less Sodium Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce?

This product is widely available at major grocery chains (like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway) and online retailers such as Amazon.

Is Less Sodium Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children. It does not contain caffeine or artificial sweeteners, though the sugar content should be monitored as part of a balanced diet.

Is Less Sodium Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce Keto?

No, Less Sodium Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce is not keto-friendly. While the reduced salt content is a health benefit, the formula relies heavily on sugar and corn starch to maintain its signature glaze and flavor. For those strictly tracking net carbs, this sauce will likely break ketosis.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims to the molecular composition of the product. When we analyze the ingredient list for Less Sodium Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce, we find several components that are incompatible with a ketogenic lifestyle, regardless of the sodium reduction.

The primary offender is the sweetening agent. Sugar is listed as the second ingredient, meaning it is one of the most abundant components by weight. Teriyaki sauce relies on a balance of sweet and savory, and in this product, sugar provides the necessary sweetness and viscosity. However, on keto, sugar is the strictest enemy because it causes an immediate spike in blood glucose and insulin, disrupting the metabolic state of ketosis.

To further thicken the sauce, manufacturers use modified corn starch. This is a highly processed carbohydrate derived from corn that acts as a binding and gelling agent. While it creates that desirable sticky texture, it contributes pure starch to the diet, which is essentially glucose. Similarly, dextrose is added, which is a form of sugar derived from starches. Even in small quantities, these ingredients add up to significant net carbohydrates.

Finally, we must look at the base. The product contains soy sauce with wheat. Traditional soy sauce is fermented with wheat, which contains gluten. While gluten isn't a carbohydrate itself, the presence of wheat indicates the sauce is not grain-free. For a strict keto dieter, avoiding hidden starches from grains is essential. Therefore, the combination of sugar, corn starch, and wheat disqualifies this product from being keto-compliant.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

sugarstarchdextrosewheatcorn

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the 'Less Sodium' claim is valid. Standard teriyaki sauces can contain upwards of 600mg of sodium per tablespoon, whereas this reduced-sodium version typically lowers that figure significantly. However, reducing salt does not equate to reducing carbohydrates.

The caloric density of this sauce is driven almost entirely by sugar. A standard serving size (usually one tablespoon) contains a concentrated amount of carbohydrates. In the context of a keto diet, where the daily limit is often 20 to 50 grams of net carbs, a few tablespoons of this sauce could consume your entire carbohydrate allowance for the day. It offers negligible fat and protein, meaning it provides empty calories without the macronutrients your body needs to sustain ketosis. While it may fit into a general low-sodium heart-health diet, it fails to meet the macronutrient ratios required for a ketogenic protocol.