8 Best Light Soy Sauces in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Nutritionist-Dietitian
If you're looking for a soy sauce that has a more subtle flavor, then you might want to consider buying light soy sauce. Often used as a dipping sauce, this versatile condiment can also be added to various dishes to enhance their umami flavor. Plus, consuming soy sauce in moderation can be good for your health since it has some antioxidant and anti-allergy properties.
But with so many different brands in the market, how can you choose the right one? Don't worry, as we've come up with a list of our highly recommended products and a handy guide on how to purchase the perfect light soy sauce for you—fact-checked and reviewed by registered nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales.
Quick List - Top Light Soy Sauces
Kwong Cheong Thye
A Light Soy Sauce That Packs a Lot of Flavor and Contains Less Sodium
HaiTian Haday
An Award-Winning Brand Trusted by Most Chinese Households
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
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How to Choose a Light Soy Sauce – Buying Guide
Here are some key points to consider:
- Choose between a natural or chemical brew.
- Check the country of origin.
- Go for light soy sauce with a short ingredients list.
- Select the right size based on your needs.
- Carefully inspect the packaging and the product itself.
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Choose Between a Natural or Chemical Brew
Naturally brewed light soy sauce follows the natural process of fermentation and is usually made from organic ingredients. As such, it takes a few months or even years to brew. This results in a product that is aromatic and complex in flavor when compared to chemical brews.
Since this type of soy sauce is quite hard to find, manufacturers mention this distinguishing feature on the label. On the other hand, a chemically brewed light soy sauce can be produced within a few days and is known to be a cost-efficient way of manufacturing the product. These can be found in most supermarkets.
Also known as a non-brewed soy sauce, it is often mixed with hydrolyzed soy protein, flavorings, and other additives to mimic the flavor of a naturally brewed variant. This product is saltier and has a longer shelf life in contrast to natural brews.
Check the Country of Origin
Since different countries have different methods of processing their soy sauce, the taste would also differ. Below are some of the distinctions by country:
- China: Light Chinese soy sauce is often brewed for a few weeks and contains wheat flour and, occasionally, sugar. Surprisingly, this results in a salty and dense product that is full of flavor. Compared to its Japanese counterpart, it is darker in color and thicker in consistency.
- Japan: If you prefer your soy sauce to be a bit sweeter, go for the Japanese light soy sauce variant. This product is usually brewed with roasted wheat and fermented for a few months, which gives it a distinct taste and a rounder flavor.
- Philippines: Light soy sauce made in the Philippines has a characteristic salty taste and a thinner consistency compared to its counterparts. Most commercially available brands use the chemical hydrolysis method to make the product more affordable. However, a select few still use the traditional method of fermenting soybeans.
- Thailand: Light Thai soy sauce products have a distinct mild and soft flavor plus a syrupy consistency which makes it perfect as a dipping sauce. In line with this, it has the perfect blend of sweetness and saltiness, making it a fan favorite of locals and foreigners alike.
Go for Light Soy Sauce With a Short Ingredients List
Basically, light soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, water, salt, and the occasional preservatives to make it last longer. Most manufacturers also try to produce soy sauce with less sodium to encourage consumers to live a healthier lifestyle. On that note, a product which contains too much chemicals or preservatives can be detrimental to your long-term health.
Select the Right Size Based on Your Needs
Whether you're a home cook or an expert chef, choosing the appropriate size can help preserve the quality of the product and help you save on costs. Here's a handy guide on the difference.
A Compact Bottle Is Ideal for Smaller Households
If you’re cooking for a few people, a compact bottle is ideal since you’ll only need a small amount of light soy sauce per dish. Getting a fresh bottle every time will keep your dishes flavorful and appetizing. Plus, purchasing a small bottle of light soy sauce would prevent wastage since this product tends to lose its flavor when oxygenated.
Choose a Bigger Bottle If You’re Cooking for Many People
For bigger households or commercial purposes, a bigger bottle would be more appropriate. This size is also recommended if you use light soy sauce in your dishes often. Also, purchasing a big bottle is more cost-efficient since you wouldn’t need to buy a new bottle every time it runs out.
8 Best Light Soy Sauce to Buy Online
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kwong Cheong Thye Light Soya Sauce Superior | | A Light Soy Sauce That Packs a Lot of Flavor and Contains Less Sodium | |
2 | HaiTian Haday Superior Light Soy Sauce | | Currently unavailable | An Award-Winning Brand Trusted by Most Chinese Households |
3 | Lee Kum Kee Salt Reduced Light Soy Sauce | | 40% Salt Reduced for a Healthier Choice | |
4 | Silver Swan Chinese Lauriat Light Soy Sauce | | A High-Quality Product from a Renowned Brand | |
5 | Amoy Gold Label Light Soy Sauce | | A Flavorful Soy Sauce Sans the Additives | |
6 | Pantai Light Soy Sauce | | Has the Perfect Balance of Flavor, Color, and Aroma | |
7 | Golden Boat Supreme Light Soy Sauce | | An All-Natural Soy Sauce Made from the Best Ingredients | |
8 | Higashimaru Shoyu Usukuchi | | An Authentic Japanese Soy Sauce Ideal for Larger Households |
A Light Soy Sauce That Packs a Lot of Flavor and Contains Less Sodium
Kwong Cheong Thye has been in the market for 100 years and has established its name in the Singaporean market. Fermented using traditional Chinese methods, this product is trusted by renowned chefs worldwide. It's perfect for steamed dishes and to use as a condiment for your everyday meals.
What sets this product apart is that it has 25% less sodium compared to other light soy sauces without sacrificing the flavor. On top of that, it is made from the finest ingredients and brewed using a natural process. This product will definitely give your steamed dishes a much-needed flavor boost!
HaiTian HadaySuperior Light Soy Sauce
An Award-Winning Brand Trusted by Most Chinese Households
HaiTian is trusted by most Chinese families because it produces condiments only of the highest standards. This ISO-certified company has ranked first place on the Hurun Brands List for five consecutive years. Indeed, this product lives up to that expectation.
It features a well-balanced product with the right amount of sweetness, saltiness, and tartness. On top of that, it has high nutritional content and an authentic and traditional soy sauce flavor that most customers are looking for.
You also wouldn’t have to worry about the product getting delivered to you in one piece since customers have mentioned that the item was well-packaged and shipped on time.
40% Salt Reduced for a Healthier Choice
Lee Kum Kee Salt Reduced Light Soy Sauce contains 40% less sodium compared to other soy sauces, a healthier choice compared to other products. It doesn't have any added MSG and preservatives and uses non-GMO soybeans, so this light soy sauce will fit right in the kitchen of those who live healthy lifestyles.
Despite that, this soy sauce is still savory, a great accompaniment to endless dishes that you can think of. Plus, one customer mentioned that they use this light soy sauce regularly since it tastes good without the guilt of eating unhealthy! They love it as a sawsawan, too. If you're watching what you eat, this is a safe option to get.
A High-Quality Product from a Renowned Brand
Silver Swan is a familiar name in many Filipino households, being one of the top producers of toyo, suka, and patis. Now, they have brought another condiment to the table: this light soy sauce that is trusted and used by great Filipino and Chinese chefs. This soy sauce has a mature taste as a result of fermenting the soy beans longer.
It's a premium light soy sauce that achieves the right balance of sweetness and saltiness, ideal for many different Asian and Western dishes. It's full-bodied, mellow, and smooth, so you will surely enjoy incorporating it into your cooking or using it as a dipping sauce to give your ulam more life.
A Flavorful Soy Sauce Sans the Additives
If you're looking for a soy sauce that's naturally fermented and has fewer additives, look no further than this! Made from non-GMO soybeans, the brand boasts of an authentic product with no added MSG, flavor enhancers, or artificial colors while still maintaining its distinct taste.
Hong Kong-based brand Amoy, which was established in 1908, has been making waves in the international market due to its best-selling soy sauce products. In line with this, customers have raved about the excellent quality and good packaging of the item. Rest assured that you surely won't go wrong with this one!
Has the Perfect Balance of Flavor, Color, and Aroma
Light soy sauce is a staple in oriental dishes, which is why it's important to get a good quality one with the perfect balance of flavor, color, and aroma. This product from Pantai ticks all the boxes, giving every dish you include it in a fresh taste. Marinate some meat and fish in it, or use it as a dipping sauce for your favorite Chinese dishes.
This particular light soy sauce is best used for fish, so you may want to try a steamed pomfret with light soy sauce recipe to taste its full potential. You can also try it with other traditional Filipino fishes like tilapia or lapu-lapu. If you're looking for a well-balanced light soy sauce, go ahead and check this out!
An All-Natural Soy Sauce Made from the Best Ingredients
Nguan Chiang, which carries the Golden Boat brand, has been in the business for more than a century and is one of the pioneers in soy sauce manufacturing in Thailand. The company produces only the best products using high-quality ingredients and a stringent manufacturing process.
What makes this product unique is that it does not contain any chemicals at all! Perhaps, the secret lies within the 100-year-old recipe that the company uses up to this day. Also, this naturally-brewed product is gluten-free, vegetarian friendly, and has a high protein content.
An Authentic Japanese Soy Sauce Ideal for Larger Households
For a soy sauce that’s light on the tastebuds, go for this authentic Japanese variant. Made using traditional brewing technologies, it produces a salty product that is lighter in color than most light soy sauce products on the market.
You may use this fragrant condiment to add the right amount of flavor to your stews and soups, especially for big households or in your food business. With the company’s 78 years of experience, the quality is definitely guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
What’s the Difference Between Light and Dark Soy Sauce?
Light soy sauce has a saltier flavor and thinner consistency compared to dark soy sauce since it is fermented for a shorter period of time. This is why light soy sauce is used in many oriental recipes or as a dipping sauce.
How Many Calories Are There in Light Soy Sauce?
It may differ per product, but typically, light soy sauce has between 4-8 calories. It has roughly the same amount of calories as dark soy sauce. However, it has a pretty high sodium level, so make sure to use it in moderation.
Is Light Soy Sauce Less Salty?
No. Light soy sauce actually tastes saltier than dark soy sauce, but it has a more balanced flavor. Dark soy sauce isn't as salty because it has an overpowering taste, which is why light soy sauce is preferred by others for marinating or adding to different dishes.
Other Condiments That Will Give Your Recipes a Flavor Boost
Make your meals extra special with these condiments. Check out these links to learn more!
Author: Aprille Jarcia
Re-Editor: Bianca Angela Dela Cruz
How We Chose and Ranked Our Product Recommendations
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
Top 5 Light Soy Sauces
No. 1: Kwong Cheong Thye｜Light Soya Sauce Superior
No. 2: HaiTian Haday｜Superior Light Soy Sauce
No. 3: Lee Kum Kee｜Salt Reduced Light Soy Sauce
No. 4: Silver Swan｜Chinese Lauriat Light Soy Sauce
No. 5: Amoy｜Gold Label Light Soy Sauce
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Most ViewedFeatured Rankings Similar to Light soy sauces
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