Coconut Aminos – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is coconut aminos?

Coconut aminos is a dark-colored, salty-sweet condiment that tastes similar to soy sauce or a thin teriyaki sauce. Many people choose to use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce because it contains far less sodium than soy sauce and is also soy- and gluten-free.

It’s often used as a flavor enhancer and is delicious when used as a marinade or dipping sauce for steak or tofu. You can also spritz it on a salad or add it to a stir-fry, steamed vegetables, or just about any other savory dish.

Where did coconut aminos originate from?

Coconut aminos is a fairly new product. In the past, it was primarily found only in health food stores. However, it has gained in popularity thanks to trends like the Paleo and “Whole 30” diets. Today, it’s found in most grocery stores near soy sauce, tamari, and other Asian condiments.

How are coconut aminos made? 

It might surprise you to learn that coconut aminos is not made from coconuts. Instead, it’s made from coconut-blossom nectar, which is essentially the “sap” of the coconut plant. After the liquid is extracted, it’s aged, and the natural sugars it contains are allowed to ferment. The final result is a dark liquid with a salty umami flavor and just a bit of sweetness. The sauce also contains coconut amino acids, most notably glutamate, which creates the sauce’s delicious umami flavor.

What should I look for when buying coconut aminos?

There are many different brands of coconut aminos on the market today, giving buyers plenty of choices. When comparing products, it’s important to read the labels closely. Here are a few of the things you’ll want to look for. 

Coconut aminos vs. liquid aminos  

Some brands call their products “coconut liquid aminos,” while others are simply labeled “liquid aminos.” However, there are also liquid aminos made from soybeans rather than coconut-blossom nectar. These two products have different flavors, so you’ll want to make sure you’re purchasing the right one.

Sodium content

While most coconut aminos also have a far lower sodium content than soy sauce, it’s not necessarily a low-sodium product. For this reason, if you’re watching your sodium intake, you’ll want to make sure you check the label and choose a lower-sodium option.

Ingredients  

Generally, the ingredient list for coconut aminos should be quite short. Look for a product that contains little more than orange blossom nectar, water, and salt. If possible, avoid products that contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

You may also want to look for features such as products that use only certified organic and fair-trade ingredients or that use sustainable farming products.

Packaging

This is mostly a matter of personal preference. Some people appreciate the unbreakable properties offered by a plastic bottle, while others prefer condiments that are packaged in glass. Since coconut aminos don’t last forever, it’s also a good idea to consider how much you think you’ll use and choose an appropriate bottle size. While buying a gallon size container might seem tempting, if you only use coconut aminos once in a while, you’ll be better off with an 8oz or 10oz bottle.

If you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for coconut aminos via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for coconut aminos.

How to store coconut aminos

An unopened bottle of coconut aminos does not need to be refrigerated. However, like most fermented condiments, it’s best to store it in a cool, dark place. A pantry or cupboard located away from heat sources—like your stove, microwave, or the back of your refrigerator—is ideal. When stored properly, an unopened bottle of coconut aminos will last for up to 3 years.

After you’ve opened a bottle of coconut aminos, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator. As long as the bottle is tightly sealed, it will stay good for 6 months to a year. If you notice that your bottle of liquid aminos is past its “best by” date, you’ll want to check and make sure it hasn’t gone bad before you use it.

How to tell if coconut aminos is bad

If you think your coconut aminos may have gone bad, your best option is to give it a sniff. The sauce should have a scent that is very similar to soy sauce, but a bit sweeter. If you notice that your liquid aminos has a vinegary scent, it has gone bad and should be discarded.

What can I substitute for coconut aminos?

Coconut aminos is typically used as a substitute for soy sauce, so if you can’t find this product, it’s fine to use soy sauce instead. The products are quite similar and can be substituted on a 1:1 basis. If you’re looking for a gluten-free coconut aminos alternative, tamari is another great option. You can also try a product like liquid aminos, which is gluten-free but made with soy. Shop for liquid aminos. 

Add coconut aminos to your next grocery list

Now that you know all the ins and out of coconut aminos, you might want to add it to your next meal. The good news is, you can get everything you need to cook delicious dishes without ever leaving your home. Just head over to Instacart.com, create your shopping list, then submit your order and wait for your grocery delivery to arrive.

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Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.