Is Coconut Aminos Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Coconut aminos is Level 2 — a simply processed condiment. It is made from the fermented sap of coconut palm trees blended with sea salt, typically containing just two ingredients. It is one of the simplest soy sauce alternatives available.
Key Findings
- •Coconut aminos typically contains just two ingredients: fermented coconut tree sap and salt — one of the simplest condiments available
- •It is naturally gluten-free, soy-free, and lower in sodium than soy sauce, making it a popular alternative for those with dietary restrictions
- •The fermentation process is traditional and simple — no industrial additives, chemicals, or processing aids are needed
Why Is Coconut Aminos Level 2?
Coconut aminos production is straightforward: sap from coconut palm flower blossoms is collected, blended with salt, and naturally fermented. The fermentation develops umami flavor similar to soy sauce, though milder and slightly sweeter. The result typically contains just two ingredients — coconut tree sap and salt — making it one of the simplest condiments on store shelves. Unlike soy sauce, it is naturally gluten-free and soy-free, appealing to people with those dietary restrictions. The fermentation is a traditional process, not an industrial one. Some brands add a small amount of coconut sugar or vinegar, but even these remain simple. The main trade-off is that coconut aminos is significantly more expensive than soy sauce due to the labor-intensive sap collection process.
Coconut Aminos Processing Level Distribution
How 67 coconut aminos products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 4.1 · Average nutrition score: 3.3/10
Coconut Aminos Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed coconut aminos products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Aminos Seasoning Sauce, Coconut Aminos | Dynamic Health | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Coconut Aminos | Better Body Foods | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Coconut Aminos | Better Body Foods | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic Coconut Aminos | Better Body Foods | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Liquid Aminos Soy Sauce Alternative | Bragg | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
| Coconut Aminos Soy-free Seasoning Sauce, Coconut | Coconut Secret | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
| Liquid Aminos Soy Sauce Alternative All Purpose Seasoning | Bragg | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
| Liquid Aminos Soy Sauce Alternative All Purpose Seasoning | Bragg | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
| Liquid Aminos Soy Sauce Alternative All Purpose Seasoning | Bragg | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
| Liquid Aminos Soy Sauce Alternative All Purpose Seasoning | Bragg | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 2.0 | 2 |
How to Read Coconut Aminos Labels
- 1
The label should list only coconut tree sap (or coconut nectar) and sea salt — two ingredients
- 2
Some brands add coconut sugar or vinegar — still simple, but check if you want the purest version
- 3
Coconut aminos has about 70% less sodium than soy sauce, though it is not sodium-free
- 4
Despite the name, coconut aminos does not taste like coconut — it has a mild, slightly sweet umami flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Is coconut aminos better than soy sauce?
From a processing standpoint, coconut aminos (Level 2, 2 ingredients) is comparable to naturally brewed soy sauce (Level 2, 4 ingredients). Both are fermented. Coconut aminos is lower in sodium and free of gluten and soy, but has a milder flavor and higher price point. Neither is ultra-processed.
Does coconut aminos taste like coconut?
No. Despite the name, coconut aminos tastes like a mild, slightly sweet soy sauce. The coconut tree sap loses its coconut flavor during fermentation, developing umami notes instead. It is less salty and less intensely flavored than soy sauce.
Is coconut aminos Whole30 and paleo approved?
Yes. Coconut aminos is one of the few condiments approved for Whole30, paleo, and most elimination diets because of its simple two-ingredient composition and absence of soy, gluten, and refined sugar.