Despite originating in the UK, Worcestershire sauce is used in the Philippines to add a savory umami flavor with hints of sweetness and acidity to your dishes. You might think that each one is the same, but they differ in some ingredients and in turn, their flavor profile.
Read through the buying guide, fact-checked by nutritionist-dietitian Samantha Morales, so you would know which factors are important in choosing the best Worcestershire sauce. Each product included in our recommendations has a different price range, taste, and quantity so you will always have an option.
Quick List - Top Worcestershire Sauces
Mother's Best
Philippine-Made Product That Has the Right Blend of Sweet and Sour
CocoWonder
A Vegan and Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce Made From Coconut
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.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Worcestershire sauce originates back to Worcester City in England. However, some makers have put their own spin on the iconic English recipe to cater to different palettes. There are possible additions to the primary ingredients that define each brand’s signature blend, so let's go through the most common ones below.
The first-ever Worcestershire sauce came from England, and the recipe remains unchanged to this day. This English sauce has a slightly vinegarish tang and acidity and the aroma of fermented anchovies with herbal and spicy notes. In other words, the UK-made variant can be considered the "default" taste for Worcestershire sauce.
Although the UK version has a bright biting scent, it is not salty nor overpowering. Conversely, it presents a little sweetness to the taste with retained aromatic whiff in the mouth. This is the reason why the British love it as their go-to dip and condiment for most of their meals. The same goes for us, who have a long-standing affinity to the good old patis.
Filipino-made Worcestershire sauce offers a vital hint of sweetness, a bit of saltiness, and a touch of sourness. In addition, some local brands have a blend that has a more robust aroma of peppers. When compared to other variants, it would even taste similar to toyo. Hints of spices may include clove, cinnamon, and coriander seeds, to name a few.
Some people have opted to remove gluten from their diets, so a few American brands have replaced malt vinegar with distilled white vinegar in their version of Worcestershire sauce. The flavor differences are subtle, as most kinds of vinegar are known to be sour from the get-go, and the only thing that has changed is the absence of gluten.
However, regulatory bodies require manufacturers to print tags that specify allergens and ingredients that are not present in their products. Gluten-free products would have these words imprinted on the front label. So, it is best to check the label of the Worcestershire sauce bottle to confirm.
While the original recipe calls for the use of anchovies as the main ingredient, Japanese-made ones use vegetable puree instead, making use of tomatoes, onions, and carrots as the base, and are combined with fruits such as lemons, prunes, and apples. The taste registers as sweet, salty, sour, and less spicy.
Furthermore, in Shanghai, Taiwan, and Hongkong, Worcestershire sauce is known as spicy soy sauce, Worcester sauce, and gip-sauce. The former is closely similar to Japanese ones as they use fermented fruits and vegetables as the main ingredients. However, Hongkong's gip-sauce has more of an umami flavor that's sourced from soy sauce.
Worcestershire sauce contains allergens and gluten that come from anchovies and malt vinegar. If you are allergic to gluten, seafood, or on a vegan lifestyle, it is best to opt for Japanese-made Worcestershire sauce that's produced without any fish products. Plant-based sauces compensate for the absence of fish sauce or anchovies with soy sauce to give it an umami taste.
Also, low-sodium variants are available for people who are conscious of their salt intake. This allows you to lessen and control the amount of salt on your dishes without diminishing the flavor of your dishes, especially the trademark tang for recipes that call for the use of Worcestershire sauce.
Last but not least, it's important to consider the net weight of the product. If you seldomly cook, it’s best to have a small, 150mL bottle to keep your Worcestershire sauce fresh and prevent leftovers. However, if you cook meals that call for more frequent use of this sauce, there are also 250 mL to 1L variants available in the market.
For those who work in a restaurant or people who prepare large batches of food, some brands offer big, 4L bottles that can accommodate such demands. Also, the usual material of these containers varies from plastic to glass bottles with or without drip nozzles.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce | ![]() | Original Recipe From a Brand That Is Trusted Since 1837 | |
2 | Silver Swan Old English Worcestershire Sauce | ![]() | Sweet and Savory Sauce From a Local Brand | |
3 | Mother's Best Worcestershire Sauce | ![]() | Philippine-Made Product That Has the Right Blend of Sweet and Sour | |
4 | CocoWonder Organic Coconut Worcestershire Sauce | ![]() | A Vegan and Gluten-Free Worcestershire Sauce Made From Coconut | |
5 | Bull-Dog Worcestershire Sauce | ![]() | Get a Taste of Japan With This Worcestershire Sauce | |
6 | Beerenberg Worcestershire Sauce | ![]() | Fresh From the Farm, Straight to Your Table | |
7 | Ottogi Worcestershire Sauce | ![]() | A Worcestershire Sauce to Season Korean Dishes | |
8 | American Garden Worcestershire Sauce | ![]() | A Gluten-Free Condiment to Stock in Your Pantry | |
9 | Wan Ja Shan Organic Worcestershire Sauce | ![]() | A Purely Organic and Vegetarian Option | |
10 | HaiTi Special Worcestershire Sauce | ![]() | Gives Your Home-Cooked Meals an Extra Special Asian Taste |
Lea and Perrins, the brand which produced the world's first Worcestershire sauce, has perfected the combination of savory, tangy, yet mildly spiced and umami flavors, making it a great addition to your dishes. This brand stays the leading and trusted name in most kitchens worldwide. Indeed, it has a taste that stood the test of time.
Its recipe has remained unchanged for almost two centuries, while different imitations have tried to topple this brand's iconic status. Every drop of this sauce is versatile, hence, it goes well with most recipes, whether on soups, marinades, or fried dishes. Of course, you can never go wrong with the original recipe!
Most Pinoys associate Silver Swan with their iconic suka and toyo, which have been the top condiments and ingredients in most Filipino dishes. Besides these products, the brand also has its own take on Worcestershire sauce with a taste that hits close to home as it is locally produced.
This 150mL bottle of savory goodness comes with the brand's classic soy and vinegar aroma that we all grew to love. It can also give your homecooked meals a sweet and spicy flavor without being too overpowering. The best part? Silver Swan's Worcestershire sauce can elevate the taste of your dishes at a budget-friendly price!
Mother's Best started bringing the flavor in 1977 and still provides great sauces in the Philippines, whether for popular restaurant chains or Filipino households. One of their top-selling products is this Worcestershire sauce that has the perfect blend of spices and flavorings. With just a few drops, it can produce highly flavorful and tasty dishes that your family and friends will love.
The blend leans toward the sweet and sour side, with the right amount of saltiness that would be great for your adobo or bistek tagalog. This is the reason why home cooks and professional chefs alike love stocking up on this product in their kitchen cabinets! The good news is that this also comes in a 340ml bottle, enough for any handaan at home.
Looking for a healthy option? Check out this organic Worcestershire sauce that's made from coconut! Made from only three ingredients, it's a no-frills condiment that can enhance the flavor of your ulam and sawsawan. Moreover, this 100% natural sauce is soy, gluten, and sugar cane-free and is also non-GMO and non-MSG. It is truly a vegan's dream!
It also has a slight spice that can turn your dishes from bland to flavorful with just a few drops. Use it for your salads, vegan sushi, marinated tofu, and more. With this unique, coconut-based Worcestershire sauce, who says that eating healthy has to be boring? Just remember to place it inside the refrigerator after opening it to preserve its freshness.
A Japanese recipe would not be complete without an authentic Japanese ingredient on the list. For this, make sure you have Bull-Dog's Worcestershire sauce in your kitchen arsenal to produce great-tasting dishes at home. It has been the go-to choice since 1902, so you can be assured of the brand's commitment to quality.
This humble take on British Worcestershire sauce is made from a mix of pureed boiled vegetables and fruits, presenting a robust flavor that's sweet, sour, and spicy. Thus, it is best paired with fried foods that need a dipping sauce. When eaten alongside steamed rice, it makes the perfect combination!
Originating from Adelaide Hills, Australia, the Beerenberg brand has been serving Australian households since 1839. We're glad that it has made its way to the Philippines! Their take on Worcestershire sauce is something remarkable to try on your next meal prep. Beerenberg's version is thick and chunky compared to the runny Worcestershire sauces that we've come to know.
As such, just one or a few drops can instantly cover the needed flavor on your dishes. Plus, you get to prolong the product in your pantry. Moreover, the combination of bright acidity, balanced sweetness, and the sauce's consistency will bring more than the expected taste to your dishes. You truly can't go wrong with a classic!
With food items such as this Worcestershire sauce, it is now possible to experience Korean cuisine inside the comforts of your home! Ottogi's take on the British classic is made from a blend of vegetables, spices, and other flavorings, which makes it the perfect condiment or ingredient to any of your dishes.
This versatile product goes well with stir-frys, cutlets, fried meats, for your samgyupsal marinades and so much more. You can even sprinkle a few drops on your ketchup to improve its taste. With its rich flavor that's full of spice, you can also use it as a marinade for your bulgogi!
While nothing is wrong with good old salt and pepper to season your meals, adding more depth in terms of the flavor would take your dishes to the next level. The balanced blend of tang, spice, and saltiness is just what you need for your lutong bahay, and luckily, American Garden's Worcestershire sauce is here to provide that!
If you prefer to have a touch of woody aroma and a bit of spiciness in your barbecues and soups, this is a fitting sauce to have in your kitchen. Also, it is worth noting that it is a gluten-free condiment, so you can add it to your dishes even if you're on a diet.
Nowadays, eating healthy is so much easier as more vegetarian options are readily available in the market. If you wish to create a vegan recipe without compromising its taste, Wan Ja Shan's Worcestershire sauce is ready to take on a 100% organic, vegetarian, and gluten-free meal preparation with no frills.
Even if you are not into that lifestyle, this sauce still works and blends well with meats, salads, and steaks, just like the regular ones in the market. Its umami flavor can be credited to the use of brewed soy sauce, which is the reason why it tastes good even without the anchovies in the mix. Indeed, transitioning to a healthier lifestyle is made easier with this sauce!
Craving for East Asian dishes such as noodles, dumplings, and tofu? Capture that savory tang and aroma with this flavorful Worcestershire sauce from Hai Ti. With this in your pantry, it will be easy to pull off delicious meals that can rival ones that you order from Asian restaurants.
Its umami-rich blend would be a great alternative to soy sauce. Plus, the addition of molasses renders that extra sweetness and the right zing, which you often taste in most Chinese recipes. Because it is available in a 500 ml bottle, you can use it to cook your special meals effortlessly for months!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Worcestershire sauce is essentially made of soy sauce, vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind, onion, garlic, salt, and a blend of other spices and flavorings. The combination results in an umami flavor with sweetness and tang to balance it out. On the other hand, vegan and gluten-free versions of Worcestershire sauce often have a coconut base.
You may substitute Worcestershire sauce with different combinations of pantry essentials. For example, you can mix ketchup, soy sauce, and vinegar or opt for soy sauce, molasses, and fish sauce. To get its similar umami flavor, try adding in anchovies as well with lemon or lime juice for acidity. In addition, whisk together some balsamic vinegar and tamarind paste.
Worcestershire sauce is used in a variety of ways from making marinades, to a flavoring for savory dishes, or as a table condiment. It is best for marinating and seasoning meat dishes or incorporating it into the gravy or sauces to pair with your grilled steak. Moreover, it is known for being an important ingredient in Caesar salad dressings.
Food preparation is incomplete without the aid of proper seasonings and condiments that can help enhance the flavor of your meals. But you don't need to look elsewhere, as we have other articles about food items that can help you create the best-tasting dishes for your loved ones. Indeed, no days are dull with your tireless efforts to fill your family's tummy!
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Author: Harvey M. Tolentino
Editor & Re-editor: Aprille Jarcia & Patricia Catimpo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. 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.
No. 1: Lea & Perrins|Worcestershire Sauce
No. 2: Silver Swan|Old English Worcestershire Sauce
No. 3: Mother's Best|Worcestershire Sauce
No. 4: CocoWonder|Organic Coconut Worcestershire Sauce
No. 5: Bull-Dog|Worcestershire Sauce
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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