Is Traditionally Brewed Less Sodium Soy Sauce Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Safeway
Traditionally Brewed Less Sodium Soy Sauce is one of the sauce condiment products analyzed by Zerotox for Safeway. The product scores 60/100 in Zerotox, meaning it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
The sections below explain why ingredients like Sodium Benzoate affect the overall evaluation.
60 / 100
Why score is 60
The composition includes sodium benzoate (E211) as a synthetic preservative, which raises quality concerns due to its artificial nature. While the soy sauce contains natural ingredients like water, wheat, and soybeans, the presence of sodium benzoate indicates a processed composition that affects the overall safety assessment.
Main concern
Sodium benzoate (E211) is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about artificial additives in the product.
Why it matters: This ingredient is flagged in our analysis based on regulatory and scientific sources. Check the Ingredients section for details and see Data sources for methodology.
Regulation status: Ingredient safety is assessed from EU/EPA/CIR and similar databases; formulations may vary. Always read the product label.
Pros
- Contains natural ingredients like water, wheat, and soybeans, contributing to a more authentic flavor profile.
- Lactic acid is a natural acidulant that can enhance the flavor and stability of the soy sauce.
Concerns
- Sodium benzoate (E211) is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about artificial additives in the product.
- The presence of salt may be a concern for those monitoring sodium intake, despite being less sodium than traditional soy sauce.
Who should avoid this product?
This product may be less suitable for:
- people with sensitive skin or fragrance sensitivity
Ingredients breakdown
Instead of a flat list, this section explains each ingredient in the context of this sauce condiment.
-
Is Water safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Water is used here as base. Water serves as the primary solvent in this soy sauce, providing the necessary liquid base for the other ingredients to dissolve and interact. Its quality is crucial for the overall flavor and consistency of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: WATER
-
Is Wheat safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Wheat is used here as base. Wheat is a key ingredient that contributes to the fermentation process, enhancing the flavor and texture of the soy sauce. It is a natural component that adds depth to the overall profile.
Role in formula: base
Original: WHEAT
-
Is Soybeans safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Soybeans is used here as base. Soybeans are essential for the production of soy sauce, providing the necessary proteins and flavors. Their natural presence supports the authenticity of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: SOYBEANS
-
Is Salt safe in this sauce condiment?
Medium
Salt is used here as flavor. Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the soy sauce. While it is necessary for taste, excessive sodium can be a concern for health-conscious consumers.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
-
Is Lactic Acid safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Lactic Acid is used here as acidulant. Lactic acid is a natural acid that can enhance flavor and act as a preservative. Its inclusion indicates a focus on maintaining product quality without relying solely on synthetic additives.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: LACTIC ACID
-
Is Sodium Benzoate safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Sodium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative used to prevent microbial growth in this soy sauce. Its presence raises concerns about artificial additives and potential sensitivity issues for some consumers.
Role in formula: preservative
Original: SODIUM BENZOATE
How we score
Our safety scores and ingredient breakdowns are based on regulatory and scientific sources. See Data sources & methodology and How Zerotox works for full details.
Product info
Product ID: 2390565
More from this brand: Safeway products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment in Zerotox database
Allergens detected: wheat
Report / complain: You may report errors or complain about this product or its formulation to hello [at] zeroto.app . Published for transparency.