Trader Joe’s Soyaki
Why It Scored This Way
Weak nutritional value, significant processing, or both make this product less supportive of a health-focused diet.
- Saturated Fat
- Added Sugar
- Sodium
Verdict
Soyaki is a savory-sweet condiment based on soy sauce. Its main strength is the inclusion of aromatic ginger and garlic, while its main tradeoff is the high amount of added sugar. Overall, it serves as a concentrated flavor booster for plant-based meals.
How to Use This
Best kept to limited use within a balanced diet, in controlled portions and not as a routine choice. Use it as a glaze for roasted tofu and broccoli or as a quick stir-fry sauce for a vegetable bowl.
Nutrition Overview
The profile is characterized by high sodium and significant added sugars relative to the small serving size. It offers very little protein and no fiber, contributing primarily to calorie density.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 40 | Per serving |
| Total Fat | 1g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | — |
| Sodium | 490mg | 21% |
| Total Carbs | 7g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars | 5g | — |
| Added Sugars | 5g | 10% |
| Protein | 1g | — |
| Vitamin D | 0.1mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 10mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 50mg | 0% |
Ingredient Analysis
The base consists of soy sauce, cane sugar, and garlic and ginger purees. The formulation is further supported by maltodextrin and a blend of dried seasonings to ensure a consistent, shelf-stable flavor profile.
Ingredients
SOY SAUCE (WATER, SOYBEAN, WHEAT, SALT), CANE SUGAR, GARLIC PUREE (GARLIC, WATER), SESAME SEED, EXPELLER PRESSED SOYBEAN OIL, GINGER PUREE, DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR, TAMARI POWDER (TAMARI SOY SAUCE [SOYBEAN, SALT], MALTODEXTRIN, SALT), TOASTED SESAME OIL, DRIED GARLIC, DRIED ONION, ONION POWDER, GINGER POWDER.
