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The most trusted teriyaki sauce brands in the UK include Kikkoman, Blue Dragon, Tesco Finest, Clearspring, and Yutaka. These brands offer consistent flavour, quality ingredients, and are widely available in UK supermarkets or online. Whether you prefer a traditional Japanese recipe or a low-sugar version, choosing the right brand ensures your dishes are rich, balanced, and authentic.
Let’s explore the top UK teriyaki sauce brands and why they’re trusted by both home cooks and professionals.
What Makes a Teriyaki Sauce Brand Trustworthy?
In the UK, a trustworthy teriyaki sauce brand is one that consistently delivers on taste, authenticity, and quality. It should also be transparent about ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives.
Key Criteria to Look For
When deciding which teriyaki sauce to buy, consider the following:
- Flavour Balance: A good mix of savoury, sweet, and umami notes.
- Ingredient Quality: No artificial preservatives or additives, preferably using naturally brewed soy sauce and real sugar or mirin.
- Nutritional Transparency: Clear labelling of sugar and sodium content.
- Availability: Widely sold across UK stores or online retailers.
- Special Diet Options: Gluten-free or reduced-salt versions where applicable.
Top Teriyaki Sauce Brands Available in the UK
These UK brands have gained trust over time due to quality, flavour consistency, and authentic formulations.
Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce
Kikkoman is one of the most recognisable Japanese brands worldwide and is known for its naturally brewed sauces.
- Flavour Profile: Deep umami with a balanced sweetness, ideal for both cooking and marinating.
- Why It’s Trusted: Made with naturally brewed soy sauce, contains no artificial colours or preservatives, and has a long-standing reputation for quality.
- Best Uses: Marinades, grilling, stir-frying, and oven roasting.
Blue Dragon Teriyaki Sauce
Blue Dragon is a popular UK supermarket brand known for Asian sauces with Western-friendly profiles.
- Flavour Profile: Slightly sweeter and thicker than traditional Japanese versions, making it ideal for glazes.
- Why It’s Trusted: Readily available, affordable, and perfect for beginners exploring Asian cooking.
- Best Uses: Stir-fry dishes, chicken wings, and skewers.
Clearspring Organic Teriyaki Sauce
Clearspring is known for clean, organic ingredients and a strong commitment to sustainability.
- Flavour Profile: More refined and less sugary, ideal for health-conscious consumers.
- Why It’s Trusted: Organic, gluten-free, and free from refined sugar – uses rice malt syrup instead.
- Best Uses: Light glazes, dressings, and healthy stir-frys.
Tesco Finest Teriyaki Marinade
Tesco’s premium line offers a more gourmet take on classic sauces.
- Flavour Profile: Rich and well-balanced with ginger and garlic notes.
- Why It’s Trusted: Consistently rated highly in taste tests, good price-to-quality ratio.
- Best Uses: Marinades, wraps, and baked dishes.
Yutaka Teriyaki Sauce
Yutaka is a specialist Japanese food brand that brings authentic Japanese ingredients to UK kitchens.
- Flavour Profile: Traditional, subtle sweetness and a thinner consistency.
- Why It’s Trusted: Used by chefs and experienced home cooks seeking true-to-origin flavour.
- Best Uses: Dipping sauces, seafood glazes, and Japanese-style rice bowls.
How These Brands Compare Nutritionally
Here’s a brief comparison of some popular brands per tablespoon (~15ml):
| Brand | Calories | Sugar (g) | Salt (g) | Organic/Free-from | Best For | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kikkoman | 25 | 4.5 | 1.2 | No | Authentic Japanese flavour | View on Amazon UK |
| Blue Dragon | 28 | 5.1 | 1.1 | No | Everyday cooking | Check Price |
| Clearspring | 18 | 2.0 | 0.8 | Yes, organic | Organic, health-conscious | Shop Now |
| Tesco Finest | 30 | 4.2 | 1.3 | No | Premium UK option | Tesco Groceries |
| Yutaka | 24 | 3.5 | 1.0 | Gluten-free | Gluten-free choice | Yutaka Official |
Choosing the right brand depends on whether you’re prioritising taste, health, or authenticity.
Best Teriyaki Sauce for Different Needs
Different meals and dietary needs call for different types of teriyaki sauce. Here’s how to choose the best brand for your specific situation.
Best for Traditional Flavour
If you want authentic Japanese teriyaki taste, go for:
- Kikkoman – for deep umami.
- Yutaka – for true-to-form Japanese recipes.
Best for Health-Conscious Diets
When reducing sugar or salt:
- Clearspring Organic – low in sugar and free from additives.
- Yutaka Gluten-Free – suitable for coeliacs or wheat-sensitive diets.
Best Budget-Friendly Options
For affordable yet tasty options:
- Blue Dragon
- Tesco Finest
Both are easy to find and ideal for daily home use.
Where to Buy Trusted Teriyaki Sauce Brands in the UK
These brands are easily available both online and offline.
Supermarkets
- Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda – all carry Blue Dragon, Tesco Finest, and sometimes Kikkoman or Yutaka.
- Waitrose – best for Clearspring and higher-end options.
Online Retailers
- Amazon UK – carries bulk packs, organic options, and imported versions.
- Clearspring.co.uk – shop directly for organic options.
- Japan Centre – great for authentic imports like Yutaka and Kikkoman special editions.
Final Thoughts
The best teriyaki sauce brands in the UK vary based on your taste and nutritional needs. If you’re after authenticity, Kikkoman and Yutaka lead the way. For organic or lower-sugar alternatives, Clearspring is ideal. Budget-conscious? Tesco Finest and Blue Dragon offer quality without compromise.
Understanding your needs and checking ingredient labels ensures you always pick a teriyaki sauce that enhances your meals – not just adds sugar or salt.
FAQs
Here are some questions and answers about trusted UK teriyaki sauce brands.
What is the most authentic teriyaki sauce brand available in the UK?
Kikkoman and Yutaka are among the most authentic brands available, offering traditional flavour profiles based on Japanese recipes.
Which teriyaki sauce is best for a low-sugar diet?
Clearspring Organic Teriyaki Sauce is a good choice. It uses rice malt syrup instead of refined sugar and has lower sugar per serving.
Is there a gluten-free teriyaki sauce available in the UK?
Yes, Yutaka offers a gluten-free version, and Clearspring’s organic sauce is also gluten-free, made without wheat-based soy sauce.
Where can I buy these teriyaki sauces in the UK?
You can find them in major supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose. Online options include Amazon UK, Japan Centre, and the official Clearspring website.
Are supermarket own-brand teriyaki sauces worth trying?
Yes. Tesco Finest Teriyaki Sauce is a great value option with surprisingly rich flavour. It’s ideal for everyday cooking without sacrificing too much on taste or quality.