Question 1

Are any San-J products certified FODMAP Friendly?

Accepted Answer

Tamari Soy Sauces and Shoyu (full line is approved) Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce Gluten Free Reduced Sodium Tamari Soy Sauce Gluten Free Lite Tamari Soy Sauce – 50% Organic Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce Organic Gluten Free Reduced Sodium Tamari Soy Sauce Organic Shoyu Asian Cooking Sauces (5 of 8 are approved) Gluten Free Szechuan Sauce Gluten Free Thai Peanut Sauce Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce Gluten Free Hoisin Sauce Gluten Free Mongolian Sauce Brown Rice Crackers (full line is approved) Tamari Black Sesame Brown Rice Crackers (Gluten Free) Tamari Brown Sesame Brown Rice Crackers (Gluten Free) Teriyaki Sesame Brown Rice Crackers (Gluten Free)

Question 2

What is the difference between Tamari and regular soy sauce?

Accepted Answer

The major difference between Tamari and regular soy sauce is the proportion of ingredients between soybeans and wheat. While regular soy sauce contains 40-60% wheat, San-J Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce is made with 100% soybeans and no wheat. While the sodium level of San-J Tamari and regular soy sauce is the same, the higher concentration of soybeans in San-J Tamari gives a richer, smoother, more complex taste than ordinary soy sauce.

Question 3

How is San-J Tamari brewed?

Accepted Answer

San-J Tamari is brewed and aged for up to six months using Japanese brewing methods handed down through eight generations.

Question 4

Is San-J soy sauce fermented?

Accepted Answer

Yes. San-J Tamari and Shoyu are fermented for up to six months. Only San-J’s fermentation process can create its rich, complex taste.

Question 5

Is San-J soy sauce pasteurized?

Accepted Answer

All San-J Tamari and Shoyu soy sauces are pasteurized. We do so to stop the fermentation process from continuing inside of each bottle of Tamari or Shoyu - otherwise, it could lead to off-flavors and harsh aromas and also create gases. We use the pasteurization method to maintain the best quality of our sauce as long as possible.

Question 6

Are any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors added to San-J products?

Accepted Answer

No. No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors are added to San-J products.

Question 7

Are San-J products vegetarian?

Accepted Answer

All San-J products, excluding White Miso Soup are vegetarian.

Question 8

Are San-J products vegan?

Accepted Answer

All San-J Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce, Shoyu, Wakame Soup, Teriyaki Crackers, Tamari Brown Sesame Crackers, Tamari Black Sesame Crackers are certified vegan. The brown sugar used in San-J sauces is produced without the use of bone char.

Question 9

Does San-J Tamari contain MSG?

Accepted Answer

During fermentation, the protein in the soybeans is broken down to polypeptide chains and amino acids. The main amino acid we obtain is glutamic acid. Since the soybeans are fermented in a high salt brine solution, there could be some interaction of glutamic acid with sodium, creating some naturally occurring MSG (monosodium glutamate). Naturally occurring MSG can be found in many natural foods that have a rich flavor, such as cheese, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Question 10

Are any San-J products certified Organic?

Accepted Answer

Yes. San-J Organic Gluten Free Tamari (Gold Label), Organic Gluten Free Reduced Sodium Tamari (Platinum Label) and Organic Shoyu (Bronze Label) are certified organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI) and USDA Organic.

Question 11

Are San-J products kosher?

Accepted Answer

San-J Tamari, Shoyu, Gluten Free Asian Cooking Sauces are all certified kosher by Orthodox Union.

Question 12

What type of alcohol is used in San-J Tamari?

Accepted Answer

The alcohol used in San-J Tamari is a food grade alcohol derived from sugarcane.

Question 13

What type of salt is used in San-J products?

Accepted Answer

The salt used in San-J products is obtained from underground salt deposits through deep well solution mining. There is no iodine, free flowing conditioners, or other additives added to the salt.

Question 14

What steps does San-J take for products that contain common allergens?

Accepted Answer

To prevent cross-contamination, we have specific cleaning procedures that are followed and documented at San-J facility in Virginia, USA. After the cleaning process has been completed, rinse water samples are brought to the lab. These are tested for gluten, peanuts, mustard, and sesame, to ensure the line has been cleaned appropriately. The procedure is to re-do the cleaning if the results are positive and then re-test. In addition, pre-operational and end of the day inspections are conducted. Employees conducting these inspections are trained to look for any possible allergen contamination. We do not use tree nuts or eggs in the San-J facility in Virginia. San-J Salad Dressings, Brown Rice Crackers, and Instant Soups are manufactured at different facilities. All San-J products are made to meet standards of San-J quality as well as the requirements for each certification.

Question 15

What is the shelf life of San-J products?

Accepted Answer

San-J Tamari and Shoyu (5 oz., 10 oz., 20 oz.) - 2 years unopened. San-J Asian Cooking Sauces (10 oz.) - 1 year unopened. Soup Envelopes – 1 year from the date of manufacture Crackers – 13 months from the date of manufacture. Portion Packs – 1 year from the filling date Travel Packs – portion pack lot code – 1 year from filling date

Question 16

How should I store San-J products? Do they need to be refrigerated?

Accepted Answer

Sauce: Refrigerate after opening for best quality. Once opened, it is best to use within 1 month for table use and within 3 months for cooking use. Storage - Protect from temperatures below freezing and high heat (for long periods of time). Do not store in direct light. Soups and Crackers – Store at ambient temperatures. Protect from moisture and high heat.

Question 17

Does Tamari contain yeast?

Accepted Answer

All Tamari soy sauces are yeast free. However, Shoyu soy sauce contains yeast.

Question 18

What is gluten?

Accepted Answer

Gluten refers to the proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. The consumption of gluten in these products adversely affects the health of those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

Question 19

What is celiac disease?

Accepted Answer

Celiac disease is a digestive and autoimmune disorder that is triggered by eating gluten. When gluten containing foods are consumed, damage occurs to the lining of the small intestine, making it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. It is estimated that around 3 million or 1 out of every 133 people in the United States have celiac disease. There is no cure for celiac disease, but the condition can be managed with diet by removing all gluten containing foods.

Question 20

Who follows gluten free diets and what are the benefits?

Accepted Answer

For people with celiac disease, the only way to manage the condition is to follow a gluten-free diet. Through adherence to a gluten-free diet, the small intestine will begin to heal and the overall health of the affected individual should improve. Gluten-free diets may also be followed by those who feel their overall health improves when avoiding gluten laden foods.

Question 21

How do San-J products fit into a gluten free diet?

Accepted Answer

Since most ordinary soy sauces contain around 50% wheat, they are typically off-limits for those following a gluten free diet. However, San-J Tamari Gluten Free Soy Sauce is naturally gluten free because it is made with 100% soybeans and no wheat, giving it a rich, smooth taste and making it ideal for those following a gluten free diet. San-J is the only manufacturer that produces certified gluten-free Tamari in the United States. All San-J gluten-free products are also certified gluten free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization.

Question 22

Are San-J gluten free products certified gluten free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All San-J Gluten Free products are made in a plant inspected and certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. Look for GF symbol on San-J gluten free products. For more information on this group, please visit their website at www.gfco.org.

Question 23

What steps does San-J take for gluten free products?

Accepted Answer

San-J does not add any gluten ingredients to San-J gluten free products. We understand the sensitive nature that exists for those who suffer from gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease. Since our facilities processes other products containing wheat, San-J has implemented specific sanitation methods in an effort to prevent cross contamination of wheat in our gluten free products. In addition, we test each batch of gluten free products for the presence of gluten. Samples are also periodically sent to an outside laboratory as means of confirming the reliability of our tests. The FDA regulation sets a threshold for gluten of less than 20 parts per million in foods that are labeled "gluten-free," “no gluten,” “free of gluten,” and “without gluten.” San-J gluten free products are certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization and we follow their guidelines of less than 10 ppm. All San-J Tamari Soy Sauces are tested at less than 5ppm.

Frequent Asked Questions

Q: What is the shelf life of San-J products?

Q: How should I store San-J products? Do they need to be refrigerated?

Q: How long can a product last once it’s been opened?