Taste of China

Dark Soy Sauce

Barcode 4056489518860

Scanned 66 times by Nomi users

Yes — Dark Soy Sauce is ultra-processed.

Contains several ultra-processed additives, including pre-identified UPF ingredients: colour: ammonia caramel, potassium sorbate, xanthan gum. Also contains the artificial sweetener acesulfame, which is an industrial additive, so product is classified as ultra-processed according to NOVA.

Ingredients

4 ultra-processed markers

OK

water

Essential base ingredient for countless foods and beverages; serves as solvent and texture modifier.
OK

soy bean

A basic edible legume used for protein and variety of food products; typically consumed in whole or processed forms in many cuisines.
OK

salt

Common mineral compound (sodium chloride) used as a seasoning and preservative across cuisines.
UPF

ammonia caramel color

A synthetic caramel color produced by reaction of sugar with ammonia; used as a color additive.
OK

wheat flour

Finely ground cereal flour from wheat; a fundamental baking ingredient.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
UPF

potassium sorbate

A widely used food preservative that inhibits mold and yeast growth in a variety of foods and beverages.
UPF

xanthan gum

A microbial polysaccharide used as a thickener and stabilizer; widely used food additive.
UPF

acesulfame

Artificial sweetener (synthetic flavor-enhancing additive) used in low-calorie and sugar-free foods; considered ultra-processed due to its industrial formulation.

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Not Ultra-Processed

Soy sauce

Kikkoman, Kikkoman Sales Usa Inc.

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Sauces, Condiments & Spreads →

Other sauces, condiments & spreads Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Dark Soy Sauce

Is Dark Soy Sauce ultra-processed?

Yes — Dark Soy Sauce by Taste of China is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). Contains several ultra-processed additives, including pre-identified UPF ingredients: colour: ammonia caramel, potassium sorbate, xanthan gum. Also contains the artificial sweetener acesulfame, which is an industrial additive, so product is classified as ultra-processed according to NOVA.

Which ingredients in Dark Soy Sauce are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 4 ingredients in Dark Soy Sauce as ultra-processed markers: ammonia caramel color, potassium sorbate, xanthan gum, acesulfame. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Dark Soy Sauce?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Soy sauce by Kikkoman, Kikkoman Sales Usa Inc.. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.