Does Teriyaki sauce contain dairy or gluten?

Based on the ingredients provided, this sauce contains gluten (from wheat in the soy sauce) but contains no dairy products.

Is Teriyaki sauce good for weight loss?

No, it is generally not ideal for strict weight loss due to the high sugar content from high fructose corn syrup and brown sugar. It is calorie-dense for a condiment.

Where can I buy Teriyaki sauce?

Teriyaki sauce is widely available at major grocery stores (in the Asian foods aisle), supermarkets like Walmart or Target, and online retailers such as Amazon.

Is Teriyaki sauce safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids in moderation. However, parents should be mindful of the high sugar content and the sodium levels, which can be significant even in small serving sizes.

Is Teriyaki sauce Kosher?

Yes, standard Teriyaki sauce is Kosher. Based on a detailed analysis of the typical ingredient profile, there are no animal-derived ingredients or non-Kosher additives present. While some sauces can hide tricky ingredients like wine or gelatin, this blend relies on plant-based and processed components that meet Kosher standards.

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this sauce passes the test, we need to look at the specific components. The primary concern in Asian-style sauces is usually the soy sauce. In its pure form, soy sauce is naturally Kosher (soybeans and wheat are plants). However, some mass-market brands process soy sauce with ethyl alcohol derived from grain, which is acceptable, or occasionally use flavor enhancers that require certification. In this specific ingredient list, the soy sauce is straightforward: water, wheat, soybeans, salt, and a preservative.

The next ingredient to scrutinize is sherry wine. Wine requires a specific Kosher certification process to be considered Kosher. However, when sherry wine is used as a minor flavoring agent in a cooked sauce, and the sauce itself is certified, it is permissible. The ingredient list here identifies it simply as 'sherry wine,' which is acceptable provided the final product carries a reliable hechsher (Kosher symbol). The remaining ingredients—high fructose corn syrup, brown sugar syrup, and modified cornstarch—are all carbohydrates and are inherently Kosher. Finally, citric acid is a common acidulant derived from citrus fruits or fermentation; while historically there were concerns about the source of citric acid, modern commercial production almost exclusively uses fermentation of corn or sugar, making it safe for Kosher diets.

Nutritional Value

While the sauce is Kosher, it is important to consider its nutritional profile for a balanced diet. The ingredient list highlights high fructose corn syrup and brown sugar syrup as primary components. This indicates a high sugar content, which contributes to the sauce's signature sweet and savory flavor balance but also increases the calorie count. A standard serving size of Teriyaki sauce can contain a significant amount of added sugars, which adds 'empty calories'—energy without substantial vitamins or minerals.

Fat content is relatively low, primarily coming from soybean oil and sesame oil. While these are heart-healthier fats compared to saturated animal fats, the sodium content is the other major nutritional watch-out. Soy sauce is naturally high in sodium, and combined with salt added to other ingredients, this sauce can contribute significantly to your daily sodium intake. It fits into a diet as a condiment, but portion control is key to managing sugar and salt levels.