Coconut Aminos: The Benefits and How to Use it

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated September 22, 2022

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Coconut aminos is a salty, savory seasoning sauce made from the fermented sap of coconut palm and sea salt.

The sugary liquid is used to produce a variety of food products.

Coconut aminos is similar in color and consistency to light soy sauce, making it an easy substitute in recipes.

It’s not as rich as traditional soy sauce and has a milder, sweeter flavor. Yet, surprisingly, it doesn’t taste like coconut.

Coconut aminos is not a significant source of nutrients, though it may be a good option for people with certain dietary restrictions.

It’s soy-, wheat- and gluten-free, making it a healthier alternative to soy sauce for those with certain allergies or food sensitivities.

People often avoid soy sauce due to its high sodium (salt) content. Coconut aminos has 90 mg of sodium per teaspoon (5 ml), while traditional soy sauce contains about 280 mg of sodium in the same serving size.

Coconut aminos is a substitute for soy sauce. It’s made from sap from the coconut palm tree. It’s slightly sweet and has a hint of umami.

It’s gaining popularity as a healthier alternative to soy sauce because it contains less sugar and more nutrients. Let’s look at what it is and how it’s used.

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Unlocking the Secrets of Coconut Aminos: A Savory Condiment for Your Paleo Recipes

Coconut aminos is a sauce that is commonly used as a substitute for soy sauce. It is made from the sap of the unopened flowers of the coconut palm tree. The sap is collected by tapping the young blossoms and fermenting the resulting nectar. This process creates a thin, light-colored liquid that tastes a bit similar to soy sauce but is lighter and less salty.

How Do You Use Coconut Aminos?

Coconut aminos can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor to your dishes. Here are some ideas:

Use it as a marinade for chicken, pork, or kebabs
Add it to a salad dressing or marinade for a savory flavor
Use it as a flavoring for stir-fries or pad thai
Add it to a pineapple salsa for a sweet and savory twist
Use it as a substitute for teriyaki sauce in your favorite recipes

Where Can You Buy Coconut Aminos?

Coconut aminos can be found in most health food stores and online retailers. Look for brands that use organic and non-GMO ingredients. Some popular brands include Coco Aminos, Coconut Secret, and Big Tree Farms.

What Goes into Making Coconut Aminos?

Coconut aminos is made from the sap of young coconut blossoms. The sap is tapped from the tree, much like how maple syrup is collected. The sap is then mixed with salt and left to ferment. The final product is a thin, dark, and slightly sweet liquid that is packaged and named coconut aminos.

The Process of Creating Coconut Aminos

The process of creating coconut aminos is relatively simple. Here are the steps involved:

The sap is collected from the young coconut blossoms.
The sap is mixed with salt and left to ferment for several months.
During the fermentation process, the sugars in the sap are broken down into amino acids, resulting in a liquid that is rich in essential building blocks for our bodies.
The resulting liquid is then packaged and sold as coconut aminos.

The Comparison to Soy Sauce

Coconut aminos is often referred to as a soy sauce substitute, but how does it compare to soy sauce? Here are some points to note:

Coconut aminos is a low-sugar alternative to soy sauce.
Coconut aminos is suitable for people who are sensitive to soy or who want to avoid soy products.
Coconut aminos has a slightly different taste compared to soy sauce, but it is a good substitute for those who prefer a milder flavor.
The nutritional content of coconut aminos varies widely between brands, so it is important to check the label before buying.

The Final Rating

Coconut aminos is a popular product that many people love. Despite its slightly different taste compared to soy sauce, it is a good alternative for people who are looking for a low-sugar, heart-friendly, and soy-free option. The slight sweetness and sticky form of coconut aminos make it a good choice for adding flavor to all sorts of foods.

Why Coconut Aminos Are a Healthier Alternative to Soy Sauce

Coconut aminos have been gaining popularity as a healthier alternative to soy sauce. While there is still much research to be done, the available evidence suggests that coconut aminos provide a wide array of health benefits. Here are some of the positive effects that have been attributed to coconut aminos:

Lower sugar content: Coconut aminos contain less sugar than soy sauce, making it a better choice for people who are watching their sugar intake.
Nutrient profile: Coconut aminos contain a range of nutrients, including magnesium, antioxidants, and polyphenolic compounds.
Antimicrobial properties: Coconut aminos contain antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the risk of infection.
Heart health: Some research suggests that coconut aminos may have a positive impact on heart health by reducing the risk of high blood pressure and managing cholesterol levels.
Weight management: Coconut aminos may also be beneficial for weight management, as they are lower in calories than soy sauce and can help promote feelings of fullness.

How Coconut Aminos Are Derived

Coconut aminos are derived from the sap of the coconut palm tree. The sap is collected by tapping the tree, similar to the way that maple syrup is collected. The sap is then fermented, which gives it a slightly dark, brown color and a fresh, slightly sweet taste.

Choosing Coconut Aminos Over Soy Sauce

While soy sauce is a popular condiment, there are some reasons why people may want to choose coconut aminos instead. Here are some of the benefits of choosing coconut aminos:

Healthier nutrient profile: Coconut aminos contain a wider array of nutrients than soy sauce.
Lower sugar content: Coconut aminos contain less sugar than soy sauce, making it a better choice for people who are watching their sugar intake.
Raw and fermented: Coconut aminos are usually raw and fermented, which provides additional nutritional benefits.
Perceived health benefits: While the scientific evidence surrounding coconut aminos is still limited, many people perceive coconut aminos to be a healthier choice than soy sauce.

Wary of Online Claims

While there are many claims surrounding the health benefits of coconut aminos, it’s important to be wary of claims made by media outlets and online contributors. While there is some scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of coconut aminos, much of the evidence is still based on animal studies or is purely anecdotal. It’s always worth doing your own research and consulting with a healthcare professional before adding any new product to your diet.

What Can You Use Instead of Coconut Aminos?

Soy sauce is a popular alternative to coconut aminos. It contains a similar umami flavor and is widely available in most grocery stores. However, soy sauce is not suitable for people who are sensitive to gluten, as most brands contain wheat. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check the label carefully or try a tamari sauce instead.

Liquid Aminos

Liquid aminos are an excellent substitute for coconut aminos. They are made from soybeans and contain a similar amino acid profile to coconut aminos. Liquid aminos are also lower in sodium than soy sauce, making them a healthier choice. However, they do contain soy, so they are not suitable for people with soy allergies.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and slightly thick sauce that originated in Japanese cuisine. It is an excellent substitute for coconut aminos in dishes that require a sweet and savory flavor. Teriyaki sauce is also versatile and can be used as a marinade or glaze for grilled meat. However, it is important to note that teriyaki sauce contains a higher sugar content than coconut aminos.

Tamari Sauce

Tamari sauce is a type of soy sauce that is gluten-free and has a richer, deeper flavor than regular soy sauce. It is an excellent substitute for coconut aminos in dishes that require a savory and umami flavor. Tamari sauce is also an ideal choice for vegans and vegetarians who want to add protein to their dishes.

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a dark and rich sauce that is commonly used in traditional English dishes. It contains a unique mixture of vinegar, molasses, and spices, which brings a complex flavor to any dish. Worcestershire sauce is an excellent substitute for coconut aminos in recipes that require a bold and tangy flavor. However, it is important to note that Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies, so it is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Salt

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any of the above substitutes on hand, salt can be used as a last resort. While it won’t add the same depth of flavor as coconut aminos, it can help compensate for the lack of salt in a dish.

Remember to always confirm the ingredients and nutritional content of any substitute you choose to use. While some substitutes may be similar to coconut aminos, they may not have the same nutritional value or flavor profile. Start with a little and add more as needed, keeping in mind that some substitutes may be stronger than others.

Coconut Aminos: The Surprising Taste You Need to Know About

Despite its name, coconut aminos don’t taste like coconuts at all. In fact, it tastes more like soy sauce, but slightly sweeter and less salty. The reason why it’s a perfect substitute for soy sauce is that it adds a nice savory flavor to your food without the added sugars and preservatives found in most soy sauces.

How to Use Coconut Aminos in Your Cooking?

Coconut aminos are easy to use and can be swapped in any recipe that calls for soy sauce. Here are some ideas:

Use it as a marinade for chicken, pork, shrimp, or steak.
Add it to your slow cooker meatballs or stir-fry dishes.
Mix it with garlic and honey for a dipping sauce for tofu or roll it in a pan with garlic and shrimp for a savory dinner.
Add it to your salad dressings or drizzle it over roasted Brussel sprouts for a nice flavor.
Use it as a base for sauces like teriyaki or pad Thai.

Conclusion

Coconut aminos is a substitute for soy sauce, but it has a slightly different taste.

It’s a great way to add flavor to your dishes, especially Asian-inspired ones. You can use it in marinades, sauces, and stir-fries, and it’s a healthier alternative to soy sauce.

So, if you’re looking for a substitute for soy sauce, coconut aminos might just be the answer.

Check out our new cookbook

Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

Try it out for free with Kindle Unlimited:

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.