Is Traditionally Brewed Less Sodium Soy Sauce Safe? Ingredient Analysis
Safeway
This page reviews Traditionally Brewed Less Sodium Soy Sauce by Safeway as a sauce condiment. Its current score is 60/100, suggesting that it looks generally acceptable but still includes some ingredients worth reviewing.
If you want the short version, start with these flagged ingredients: Sodium Benzoate.
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 is brewed traditionally, the presence of sodium benzoate indicates a level of processing that may not align with clean ingredient preferences.
Main concern
Sodium benzoate (E211) is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about artificial additives.
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 water, wheat, and soybeans, which are basic ingredients in traditional soy sauce.
- Lactic acid is a natural ingredient that can enhance flavor without synthetic intervention.
Concerns
- Sodium benzoate (E211) is a synthetic preservative that raises concerns about artificial additives.
- High sodium content from salt may not be suitable for those monitoring sodium intake.
Ingredients breakdown
The ingredient notes below are written to explain what each ingredient does in this sauce condiment and why it matters.
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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 generally high as it is essential for the brewing process.
Role in formula: base
Original: WATER
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Is Wheat safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Wheat is used here as base. Wheat is a key ingredient in soy sauce, contributing to its flavor and texture. It is a natural grain that is minimally processed, supporting the traditional brewing method.
Role in formula: base
Original: WHEAT
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Is Soybeans safe in this sauce condiment?
Good
Soybeans is used here as base. Soybeans are essential for the production of soy sauce, providing protein and flavor. They are a natural ingredient that contributes positively to the overall quality of the product.
Role in formula: base
Original: SOYBEANS
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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 a natural ingredient, high sodium levels can be a concern for those with dietary restrictions.
Role in formula: flavor
Original: SALT
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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 the flavor profile of the soy sauce. It is derived from fermentation processes, indicating a more traditional approach to flavor enhancement.
Role in formula: acidulant
Original: LACTIC ACID
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Is Sodium Benzoate safe in this sauce condiment?
Bad
Sodium Benzoate is used here as preservative. Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative added to prevent microbial spoilage. Its presence raises concerns about artificial additives in the product, which may not align with clean eating preferences.
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: 2390575
More from this brand: Safeway products in Zerotox
Similar products: sauce_condiment in Zerotox database
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