Costco is Selling an Essential Soy Sauce Alternative For Just $6
Soy sauce is one of the most common pantry staples, but it doesn't work for everyone. From gluten sensitivity to sodium concerns, plenty of home cooks are searching for a healthier alternative that doesn't sacrifice the versatile, umami flavor of traditional soy sauce. If you're someone who's been looking for a clean, flavorful alternative to soy sauce, Costco has you covered. Nutiva's Original, Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos, a soy-free and gluten-free pantry staple, is now hitting warehouse shelves in select locations for just $5.64 a bottle.
What Are Coconut Aminos?
Nutiva's Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos are made with only two ingredients: hand-harvested, naturally fermented organic coconut blossom sap and sea salt. That's it. The fermentation process brings out a savory depth that mimics soy sauce, while the coconut blossom sap adds a subtle sweetness that balances flavor.
Compared to the leading soy sauce brand, coconut aminos deliver 72% less sodium, making them a popular choice for anyone watching their salt intake. The clean ingredient list also makes them soy-free, gluten-free, and paleo and keto friendly, which means the whole family can enjoy them worry-free.
How to Use Coconut Aminos
Think of coconut aminos as a one-for-one swap with soy sauce. They work just as well in classic Asian-inspired dishes, but their slightly sweet finish makes them useful far beyond stir-fries. A few ideas:
- Stir-fries and noodle bowls: Toss veggies and protein in coconut aminos for balanced flavor
- Marinades: Use them as a base for chicken, beef, or tofu.
- Dips and sauces: Mix into peanut sauce, dumpling dips, or even salad dressings.
- Everyday drizzle: Splash over roasted veggies, rice bowls, or grain salads.
At Costco's price point, it's worth stocking up—especially if you cook for a crowd or want to experiment with new recipes.
I Tried Nutiva's Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos
Coconut aminos have been on my radar for some time as a low-sodium, gluten-free soy sauce alternative, but I haven't had the chance to try them myself. Not knowing if they would pass as a viable substitute—and not wanting to sacrifice coveted fridge door space, I instead opted for other gluten-free soy sauce substitutes from familiar brands. Now that I've finally given coconut aminos a try, I can honestly say waiting was definitely the wrong call.
Nutiva's coconut aminos are an identical color match to traditional soy sauce and quickly turn a batch of fried rice into the familiar coppery-bronze hue you expect from Chinese takeout. The taste is similar to soy sauce—closer than I would have imagined—but it lacks the overpowering blast of saltiness ubiquitous in the classic condiment. The coconut aminos are distinctly milder with a subtle sweetness on the finish. Unlike soy sauce, which can easily dominate a dish and become the primary flavor if you're heavy handed, coconut aminos are more forgiving, offering a balanced profile that enhances other flavors, not overtaking them.
The Verdict
Nutiva's Original, Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos are a great alternative for anyone who loves to cook with, or use soy sauce but is watching their sodium intake, or dealing with wheat or gluten sensitivities. For those who crave the sharp, salty bite of original soy sauce, the coconut aminos may be too mild of an alternative. For the majority of applications however, Nutiva's coconut aminos are a suitable substitution, and may even offer added flavor enhancement in addition to the nutritional benefits.