Coconut aminos and liquid aminos will be two of your best options if you are looking for healthy soy sauce substitutes. Both can provide the deep brown color, saltiness, and savory umami flavor that you would get from soy sauce without some of its less desirable characteristics. For example, both contain less salt than typical soy sauces; however, there are some differences between the two products. Let’s compare the two.
Table of Contents
- How does coconut aminos differ from liquid aminos?
- If your recipe calls for one, can you use the other?
- When should you use coconut aminos? And when should you use liquid aminos?
- Must-read related posts
How does coconut aminos differ from liquid aminos?
Coconut aminos and liquid aminos have different ingredients. Coconut aminos seasoning consists of coconut sap fermented with salt. Liquid aminos seasoning is made from soybeans. Free amino acids are created by treating the soybeans with hydrochloric acid. The sodium content does not come from added salt. Rather it comes after the creation of the free amino acids — any remaining acid is neutralized with sodium bicarbonate to create sodium chloride (the main component of table salt.)
Coconut aminos and liquid aminos have different flavor profiles. The flavors are not dramatically different, but they do contrast in a couple of noticeable ways. The most popular brand of coconut aminos has considerably less sodium with 300Â mg per 15mL compared to the 960Â mg that you would get from an equivalent serving of liquid aminos. The result is that liquid aminos sauce is much saltier than coconut aminos.
Liquid aminos sauce has slightly more sugar than coconut aminos seasoning sauce, but coconut aminos has a slightly sweeter taste because there is not as much salt to mask the sweetness.
The lower level of salt in coconut aminos makes it less likely to cause the health problems that come with an excessively salty diet. Too much salt can cause a range of health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease and certain kinds of cancer.
Because coconut aminos seasoning has gone through a fermentation process, it contains a small amount of alcohol. Liquid aminos seasoning sauce is not fermented, so it won’t have any alcohol.
And lastly, coconut aminos may be harder to find and more expensive than liquid aminos.
If your recipe calls for one, can you use the other?
Coconut aminos can work as a substitute for liquid aminos, but it won’t be ideal unless your objective is to cut down on sodium. The lower salt content means that you will either have to use more of it and make your dish wetter or simply use the same amount and make your dish less salty. Keep in mind that the sweetness will be especially noticeable when using it as a condiment at the table, so it may be less desirable for that purpose.
Liquid aminos can work as a coconut aminos substitute if you want more salt and less liquid in your dish. It won’t be a good substitute if you are trying to avoid soy products or if you want to limit your salt intake.
–> Learn More: What’s A Good Coconut Aminos Substitute?
When should you use coconut aminos? And when should you use liquid aminos?
Coconut aminos seasoning sauce and liquid aminos can both be used for the same kinds of dishes. Use them in marinades and to make dishes like fried rice. The differences in flavor profiles make coconut aminos better suited to being a substitute for table salt or sea salt, while liquid aminos may work better in place of soy sauce. You can use it in stews, stir-fries, and other dishes that can benefit from the extra saltiness and umami.
Must-read related posts
- Soy Sauce Vs. Liquid Aminos: How do they differ?
- Cooking With Coconut Aminos: Learn the dos and don’ts of using it in the kitchen.
- Tamari Vs. Liquid Aminos: Tamari is similar to soy sauce. Is it also similar to liquid aminos?