Is tamari gluten-free?
Tamari is usually gluten-free — it's traditionally brewed from soybeans without wheat, unlike regular soy sauce. But "usually" isn't "always": some modern tamari includes small amounts of wheat. For strict celiac diets, only buy tamari bottles that explicitly say gluten-free or carry a GFCO seal.
When it's safe
- The label says "gluten-free" (San-J Tamari, Kikkoman Gluten-Free Tamari, Ohsawa Nama Shoyu Organic Tamari)
- The ingredients list only water, soybeans, salt, and alcohol (no wheat)
When to avoid it
- The bottle says "tamari" but lists wheat in the ingredients (some Japanese-style tamari does)
- The label has no gluten-free claim and ingredients are only in Japanese
Not sure about a specific product?
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Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between tamari and soy sauce?
Traditional tamari is brewed with 100% soybeans and no wheat, while soy sauce typically uses equal parts soybeans and wheat. Tamari is richer and less salty. Gluten-free labeled tamari is the celiac-safe choice.
Is San-J tamari gluten-free?
Yes. San-J Tamari (gold-label) is certified gluten-free, tested under 10 ppm, and is one of the most widely trusted celiac-safe soy sauces.
