Short Answer:
No, Tamari is not Paleo!
What is Tamari?
Tamari is a type of soy sauce that originated in Japan. It is made without wheat or gluten free. It is darker in color, thicker and richer in consistency and less salty. Like soy sauce, tamari is used in both Asian and non-Asian cuisine to add an umami flavor to a dish. It can be used both as a dipping sauce and flavor enhancer.
While soy sauce is made by fermenting soybeans and wheat, tamari is made by fermenting only soybeans. This makes it a gluten-free version of soy sauce and desirable for people with Celiac’s disease or gluten intolerance.
Tamari and Soy Sauce
There should not be a misunderstanding when it comes to identifying tamari and soy sauce. While both look pretty exactly the same and are derived from fermented soybeans, they are two different products.
Regular soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and wheat or other grains, while tamari is a byproduct of pure soybeans only. Regular soy sauce is darker in color and has a more salty taste compared to tamari. Soy sauce also has thinner consistency. Tamari on the other hand contains fewer toxins and is gluten-free because unlike soy sauce, it does not contain wheat or grains.
So, Is Tamari Sauce Paleo?
Unfortunately, for those who love sushi and sashimi, tamari is not Paleo. It may not contain wheat or grain like soy sauce do, but it is still a product of fermented soybeans which are definitely a no-no in the Paleo diet. Mark Sisson and Robb Wolf do not discourage consumption of tamari sauce as it is not used in large concentration. It could actually be a good substitute to regular soy sauce. They even said that tamari may not be enough to destroy ones diet but if you are someone who are already experiencing gut problems caused by lectins, do not take the chance as it may wreak havoc to your health in the long run.
What Experts Say About Tamari… Is It Paleo?
“Tamari sauce: For those of you who don’t worry about a little (fermented) soy, tamari sauce is a great way to season your meats, soups, and stir-fries without incurring the wrath of the gluten gods.” – Mark Sisson
All you ever wanted to know about Tamari and Paleo
Paleolsta. No Tamari, Please
https://www.paleoista.com/nutritional-approach/no-tamari-please/
The Paleo List. Is Tamari Paleo?
http://thepaleolist.com/2013/07/31/is-tamari-paleo/
I Quit Sugar. Wait, should I be eating soy sauce or tamari?
https://iquitsugar.com/tamari-or-soy-sauce/
Paleo Magazine. Is Tamari Sauce Paleo?
https://paleomagazine.com/is-tamari-sauce-paleo
Wake The Wolves. What is Tamari (vs. Soy Sauce)?
http://wakethewolves.com/what-is-tamari-vs-soy-sauce/
The Spruce. What is Tamari in Japanese Cooking?
https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-tamari-3376809
Did we miss anything?
Comment below and let us know what you think. Do you agree with our conclusion?
photo credit: Artist of doing nothing. Tamari soya sauce and Hot Chilli Sauce