If you read healthy cookbooks or blogs, you may have come across recipes that call for liquid aminos. You might have even seen a bottle at your health food store and wondered what it is. Here's a bit on what this seasoning really is and how to use it.

What Are They?

This seasoning is similar to soy sauce in both taste and texture. It adds a savory umami flavor to dishes and can be used as a dipping sauce; as an ingredient in dressings, gravies, soups, stir-fries, marinades; or over veggies, grains, beans, meat, or fish. Liquid aminos are produced without using wheat, so if you're sensitive to gluten or want to adhere to a gluten-free diet, they are a great alternative to soy or tamari sauce.

Liquid aminos contain the essential and nonessential amino acids, which are the building blocks for all tissues and cells in your body. Your body gets amino acids by consuming protein-rich foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and beans, which then get digested and release amino acids.

Options to Consider

There are two types of liquid aminos available on the market. Here's a little about both:

Bragg Liquid Aminos

Bragg Liquid Aminos are produced by Bragg Live Foods Inc. Although the company doesn't reveal the exact process behind producing their liquid aminos, it's known that the seasoning is made by chemically treating soybeans. The company also stresses that the soybeans used to produce the liquid aminos are non-GMO certified. They are also made without any fermentation.

Coconut Liquid Aminos

Coconut liquid aminos, which are also called coconut aminos, are made by aging coconut sap with mineral-rich sea salt. Several companies produce coconut aminos, including Bragg Live Foods Inc.

One teaspoon of coconut liquid aminos contains about 90 mg of sodium, so if you're looking for a low-sodium alternative, this might be the best option. Coconut aminos are naturally free of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and produced without soy.

Making the Most of It

If you're new to using liquid aminos, start by adding small amounts to your foods. Even though this liquid is an alternative to soy sauce, it doesn't taste exactly the same and some people will notice a bigger difference than others. If you find coconut liquid aminos to be a little sweet, you can balance it by adding a dash of fish sauce.

Whether you're looking for an alternative to soy sauce or you just want to try something new, try checking out liquid aminos and experimenting with this seasoning in the kitchen.