The Short Answer
Yes, Primal Kitchen Teriyaki is excellent. It is one of the few store-bought options that completely removes soy, wheat, and refined sugar without sacrificing the savory "umami" punch you expect from teriyaki.
However, you need to buy the right bottle for your needs. The original "No Soy Sauce & Marinade" is extremely thin (like water)—it’s perfect for soaking chicken, but it will slide right off a stir-fry. If you want a glaze for wings or vegetables, get the "Thick & Sticky" version, which uses tapioca starch and honey to replicate that restaurant-style texture.
Why This Matters
Standard teriyaki sauce is a nutritional disaster. The leading brand (Kikkoman) is essentially salt, sugar, and preservatives.
A typical tablespoon of conventional teriyaki sauce contains High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) as the second ingredient and sodium benzoate as a preservative. It’s also wheat-based, making it a no-go for gluten-free eaters.
Primal Kitchen proves you don't need corn syrup to make meat taste good. By using coconut aminos, they replicate the salty, savory flavor of soy sauce without the soy or gluten.
What's Actually In It
Primal Kitchen keeps the ingredient list clean and recognizable. Here is the breakdown for the No Soy Sauce & Marinade:
- Organic Coconut Aminos — The base. Made from coconut blossom nectar, this provides the salty, savory flavor without soy or wheat. Is Coconut Aminos Healthier
- Organic Date Paste — A whole-food sweetener that adds depth and thickness.
- Organic Orange Juice Concentrate — Adds the necessary acidity and sweetness to balance the salt.
- Organic Balsamic Vinegar — Provides the tang.
- Organic Ginger & Garlic — Real spices, not "natural flavors."
- Organic Sesame Oil — Essential for that authentic nutty finish. Seed Oils
Note on Sugar: You will see "3g Total Sugar" on the label. This comes from the dates, orange juice, and coconut nectar. It is not refined white sugar or corn syrup.
Texture Warning: Thin vs. Sticky
This is the #1 complaint from new users.
The Original (Sauce & Marinade):
This liquid is viscosity-neutral—it pours exactly like water.
- Good for: Marinating chicken breasts or flank steak in a bag for 4-24 hours.
- Bad for: Drizzling over a finished bowl of rice (it will sink to the bottom immediately).
The Thick & Sticky (Honey Teriyaki):
This version adds organic honey and more tapioca starch.
- Good for: Glazing wings, brushing on salmon, or finishing a stir-fry.
- Note: Because it contains honey, this specific version is not Vegan (though it is Paleo).
The Comparison
How does it stack up against the bottle currently in your fridge?
| Feature | Primal Kitchen | Kikkoman (Traditional) |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Coconut Aminos | Soy Sauce & Water |
| Sweetener | Dates & Orange Juice | High Fructose Corn Syrup |
| Thickener | Tapioca Starch | Modified Corn Starch |
| Gluten-Free? | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No (contains wheat) |
| Soy-Free? | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No |
| Preservatives | None | Sodium Benzoate |
The Bottom Line
1. Buy it. If you are Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-Free, or just avoiding corn syrup, this is the best option on the shelf.
2. Check the label. Grab "Thick & Sticky" for glazing wings; grab "Marinade" for soaking meat.
3. Shake well. Since there are no artificial emulsifiers, the dates and spices settle at the bottom. Shake it aggressively before pouring.
FAQ
Is Primal Kitchen Teriyaki Whole30 Approved?
Yes, the No Soy Sauce & Marinade and the Island Teriyaki are Whole30 Approved. The Thick & Sticky version is not Whole30 approved because it contains honey.
Does it taste like coconut?
No. Despite being made from coconut aminos, the fermentation process eliminates the coconut flavor. It tastes savory, salty, and slightly sweet—very close to traditional soy sauce.
Is it high in sodium?
It contains 230mg of sodium per tablespoon. While this is lower than traditional soy sauce (which can hit 300-900mg), it is still a salt-heavy condiment. Use moderation.