Many restaurants struggle with choosing the right soy sauce when creating Halal-friendly menus. In fact, regular soy sauce is not Halal-compliant because alcohol is produced during its manufacturing process. However, several Halal soy sauces are now available in commercial sizes even within Japan. This article explains why regular soy sauce is not acceptable, how to choose the right one, and summarizes soy sauces available from HALAL ICHIBA by their intended use.
Why Regular Soy Sauce is Not Halal
During the soy sauce production process, yeast generates alcohol during fermentation by koji mold. Regular soy sauce contains approximately 1.5-2.0% alcohol, which does not meet Halal standards for Muslims.
Some might think, "Won't the alcohol evaporate if heated?" However, in most cases, the use of alcohol-containing ingredients themselves is deemed unacceptable. For Halal compliance, specialized soy sauce that suppresses alcohol fermentation from the manufacturing stage is required.
Summary of Reasons Why Regular Soy Sauce Cannot Be Used
- Alcohol (approx. 1.5-2.0%) is produced during the fermentation process.
- Even if heated, the use of ingredients containing alcohol is often considered unacceptable.
- Soy sauce without certification cannot be labeled "Halal-compliant."
How to Choose Halal Soy Sauce: 3 Key Points
- ① Check the type of certification such as HFFIA (international certification/JAKIM mutual recognition), JHA/NAHA (domestic certification). The required certification may vary depending on the origin of the visitors to Japan.
- ② Choose the right type for your purpose as they are available for various uses such as dark soy sauce (for simmering/stir-frying), dashi soy sauce (for dipping/pouring), mentsuyu (for noodle dishes), and teriyaki (for teriyaki/donburi).
- ③ Consider capacity and cost. Choosing products that range from 1L single units to 20L commercial sizes allows you to order according to your usage.
HALAL ICHIBA's Commercial Halal Soy Sauce Lineup
HALAL ICHIBA carries soy sauce and soy sauce-based seasonings from 4 manufacturers. (As of May 2026) Since each has different certifications, manufacturing methods, and uses, you can choose according to your purpose and needs.
① Kikkoman Halal Soy Sauce (HFFIA Certified・Gluten-Free)
Certified by HFFIA, an international Halal certification body. It is one of the most globally trusted Halal soy sauces, with mutual recognition from various certification bodies including JAKIM in Malaysia. It was also used at the G20 Osaka Summit 2019. It is gluten-free and wheat-free, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.
② Marujyu Dashiya (JHA Certified・Wide Variety)
Certified by JHA (Japan Halal Association). It offers a rich variety including dark soy sauce, mentsuyu, dashi soy sauce, teriyaki, and yuzu ponzu, which can significantly expand the range of Halal-compliant menus. Available in sizes from 1L to 20L for commercial use.
Other Marujyu Dashiya Products (All JHA Certified)
- Mentsuyu 1L ¥1,168 Rich in bonito flakes. For soba, udon, tempura dipping sauce, and simmered dishes. 1L to 20L available.
- Dashi Soy Sauce 1L ¥1,168 Bonito dashi x traditionally brewed for a mellow flavor. For tamago kake gohan (egg on rice), cold tofu, ohitashi (boiled greens), and simmered dishes.
- Japanese Teriyaki 1L ¥1,370 A rich, sweet teriyaki sauce. For chicken and fish teriyaki, hamburgers, and donburi sauce.
- Yuzu Ponzu 1L ¥1,752 Fragrant yuzu juice x traditionally brewed. For hot pots, salads, grilled fish, and gyoza dipping sauce.
③ Fukuoka Shoyu Store (NAHA Certified・No Additives・2-Year Aged)
Certified by NAHA (Japan Halal Association). This traditionally brewed soy sauce is made only from soybeans, wheat, and salt, with no additives whatsoever, and aged slowly for 2 years. It is suitable for dishes where you want to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients, and for chefs who use carefully selected ingredients. Available in sizes from 200ml to 20L, it can also be used as table soy sauce.
Other Fukuoka Shoyu Store Products (All NAHA Certified)
- HALAL Hasamezu Koiiro 1.8L ¥1,400 Traditional soy sauce made with whole soybeans. For soups, simmered dishes, and udon broth.
- HALAL Ponzu 1.8L ¥2,250 Made with Tokushima-grown wild yuzu. For hot pots, salads, and fried foods.
- HALAL Mentsuyu 500ml ¥1,375 Contains bonito and kelp dashi. Lower in salt. For noodle dishes, tempura dipping sauce, and simmered dishes.
④ Aso Shoyu Kura Moto Gogen Shoyu (Muslim-Friendly・Kyushu-produced・Cedar Barrel Brewed)
Although not Halal certified, this is a Muslim-friendly naturally brewed soy sauce. It is a genuine product made only from five ingredients: Kyushu-produced soybeans, Kyushu-produced wheat, sun-dried salt, spring water from the brewery well, and cedar barrels, naturally fermented and aged for over a year. Its traditional manufacturing method cannot be replicated by mass production.
By Use: Which Soy Sauce to Choose
| Use | Recommended Products |
|---|---|
| General simmering/stir-frying | Kikkoman Halal Soy Sauce / Marujyu Dashiya Dark Soy Sauce |
| Sashimi/cold tofu (table soy sauce) | Fukuoka Shoyu Store HALAL Honjozo (no additives, 2-year aged) |
| Noodle dishes (soba/udon) | Marujyu Dashiya Mentsuyu / Fukuoka Shoyu Store HALAL Mentsuyu |
| Teriyaki/Donburi sauce | Marujyu Dashiya Japanese Teriyaki |
| Hot pot/Shabu-shabu | Marujyu Dashiya Yuzu Ponzu / Fukuoka Shoyu Store HALAL Ponzu |
| Gluten-free needed | Kikkoman Halal Soy Sauce (wheat-free) |
Halal Soy Sauce and Seasonings, Available at HALAL ICHIBA
Kikkoman, Marujyu Dashiya, Fukuoka Shoyu Store, Aso Shoyu, and more,
We offer 31 products categorized by use, volume, and certification. (As of May 2026)
* Halal criteria may vary depending on individual faith, country of origin, and sect. We recommend disclosing certification information to customers before serving and allowing them to make their own judgment.
* Product stock and prices may vary. Please check the HALAL ICHIBA product page for the latest information.
