Kikkoman Clears Up the Confusion: Here's How You Should Store Your Soy Sauce

Soy sauce isn’t just a takeout staple. It’s an umami-rich ingredient that elevates meat dishes, enhances soups and sauces, and adds depth to plant-based meals. But once you open a bottle, where should you keep it?

We discovered that many pantry staples like ketchup and mayo benefit from refrigeration after opening—so does soy sauce follow the same rule?

Does Soy Sauce Need to Be Stored in the Refrigerator?

We reached out to the experts at Kikkoman Corporation, the world’s top soy sauce manufacturer. A spokesperson from Kikkoman Sales USA confirmed:

"Whether you’re using soy sauce from a packet or a bottle, it’s best to refrigerate opened soy sauce. This helps preserve its flavor and quality for longer, and prevents color fading."

Where Should You Store Soy Sauce?

Soy sauce, like olive oil or vinegar, is sensitive to light and temperature. It’s best stored in a cool, dark place when unopened. However, once opened, keeping it in the fridge is the best way to maintain its flavor and quality.

If you prefer not to chill your soy sauce for sushi, or if your fridge is packed, a cool, dark place will work as long as you keep it away from heat and light. But there’s an important note from the company rep:

"Since no water or other ingredients are added to soy sauce, it won’t spoil if left unrefrigerated. For the freshest taste, we recommend consuming it within one month after opening."

Soy sauce contains a high level of salt, making it an unlikely place for harmful bacteria to grow, so it should be safe in your pantry. "Unopened soy sauce can be stored at room temperature away from heat until its best-by date," the spokesperson explains.

So there you have it—if you're aiming for the best results, make room in your fridge by sliding that ketchup bottle over and storing your soy sauce there instead.