Ingredient

Aspergillus Sojae

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Aspergillus sojae is primarily used as a fermentation starter in the production of soy-based …

What it is

Aspergillus sojae is a type of fungus, a mold, that is commonly used in food production. It is a key microorganism in the traditional fermentation of soy products, such as soy sauce and miso. The mold breaks down proteins and carbohydrates in soybeans, contributing to the characteristic savory flavor and aroma.

Why it's used

Aspergillus sojae is primarily used as a fermentation starter in the production of soy-based foods. It is essential for developing the complex umami flavors found in soy sauce, tamari, and miso. Its enzymatic activity also contributes to the texture and aroma of these fermented products.

Health notes

Aspergillus sojae is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. It is a natural component of many fermented foods consumed for centuries. International bodies like JECFA have evaluated its safety in the context of food additives, and no significant health concerns have been identified at typical consumption levels. Its use is well-established and considered safe.

Allergen info

Aspergillus sojae itself is not one of the nine major allergens. However, it is used to ferment soybeans, which are a major allergen. Therefore, products made with Aspergillus sojae may contain soy.

Products containing Aspergillus Sojae

Compare products →
Sunrise Markets Inc. Flavored Dried Tofu Other Meats 186kcal 20Protein 10Fat 2.9Carbs Tamari Soy Sauce, Tamari Soy Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Tamari Soy Sauce, Tamari Soy Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 67kcal 13.3Protein 0Fat 6.7Carbs Less Sodium Soy Sauce, Less Sodium Soy Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Less Sodium Soy Sauce, Less Sodium Soy Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 25% DV per serving 67kcal 6.7Protein 0Fat 6.7Carbs Soy Sauce, Soy Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Soy Sauce, Soy Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 100kcal 6.7Protein 0Fat 13.3Carbs Soy Sauce, Soy Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Soy Sauce, Soy Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 67kcal 13.3Protein 0Fat 6.7Carbs Spicy Miso Teriyaki Sauce, Spicy Miso Teriyaki Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Spicy Miso Teriyaki Sauce, Spicy Miso Teriyaki Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 200kcal 6.7Protein 0Fat 46.7Carbs Stir-Fry Sauce, Stir-Fry Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Stir-Fry Sauce, Stir-Fry Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 133kcal 2.7Protein 0Fat 20Carbs Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Triple Ginger Teriyaki Sauce, Triple Ginger Teriyaki Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 100kcal 3.3Protein 0Fat 26.7Carbs Garlic & Green Onion Teriyaki Sauce, Garlic & Green Onion Teriyaki Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Garlic & Green Onion Teriyaki Sauce, Garlic & Green Onion Teriyaki Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 233kcal 6.7Protein 3.3Fat —Carbs Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Sweet & Sour Sauce, Sweet & Sour Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 200kcal 3.3Protein 1.3Fat 46.7Carbs Teriyaki Sauce Baste & Glaze, Teriyaki Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Teriyaki Sauce Baste & Glaze, Teriyaki Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 167kcal 3.3Protein 0Fat 33.3Carbs Japanese Steak & Cutlet Sauce, Japanese Steak & Cutlet Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Japanese Steak & Cutlet Sauce, Japanese Steak & Cutlet Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 133kcal 0.7Protein 0Fat 33.3Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.