Is Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the label of Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce, the first thing we look for are the obvious animal-derived ingredients. The base is SOY SAUCE (water, soybeans, wheat, salt), which is naturally plant-based. The flavor profile comes from WINE, VINEGAR, and aromatics like ONION POWDER and GARLIC POWDER. None of these pose a vegan issue.

The primary controversy lies in the SUGAR. In the United States, a significant amount of sugar is processed using bone char (charred animal bones) to whiten and purify it. Because the manufacturer does not specify the source of their sugar, it cannot be guaranteed 100% vegan. Additionally, the NATURAL FLAVORS ingredient is a catch-all term that can sometimes be derived from animal sources, though in savory sauces, it is frequently plant-derived. Finally, SODIUM BENZOATE is a synthetic preservative that is considered vegan but is often flagged by health-conscious consumers.

Nutritional Value

If you are looking at the nutritional profile, this sauce is relatively low in calories but high in sodium due to the SOY SAUCE and SALT. The SUGAR content contributes to the calorie count without providing significant nutritional value. It fits into a standard diet easily, but if you are watching your sugar intake or blood sugar levels, you should use it sparingly. It is not a 'health food' by any means, but rather a flavor enhancer.