What Are Coconut Aminos?
When adopting a Paleo diet, soy sauce is most definitely not on the menu, but perhaps you’re looking for an occasional substitution?
Coconut Aminos might be just the substitute you’re looking for. Is less salty than Tamari, but can be used exactly as you would use Soy Sauce, for marinades, dressings sauces and stir-fries – almost anywhere in fact.
Coconut Aminos has got a great amino acid content, considerably higher than that of soy sauces. The aminos is made from the raw sap of the coconut tree, naturally aged and is blended with sun-dried sea salt. For occasional use in a recipe calling for soy sauce, this seems like a great alternative.
Unfortunately none of the Health food shops I regularly visit in Sydney stock Coconut Aminos. I’ll be checking out the Brisbane stores at the weekend, perhaps I’ll have more luck in Queensland. I've found a couple of online retailers who deliver Coconut Aminos to Australia and New Zealand: – Iherb sell Coconut Aminos for $6 USD, with approx $4 USD shipping to Australia. Use the code DUV741 for $5 off your first order, making the Aminos very reasonable indeed! The other supplier, Reflections Health, sells their Aminos at $25, with $13 shipping.
Make sure you’re buying “Coconut Aminos”; remember “Liquid Aminos” will be derived from soy beans.
Why Coconut Aminos Are a Staple in the Paleo Pantry
If you're following a Paleo lifestyle, one of the first ingredients you likely ditched was soy sauce—along with its high sodium levels, gluten content, and tendency to be genetically modified. Enter coconut aminos: a naturally fermented, soy-free seasoning made from the sap of coconut blossoms and blended with mineral-rich sea salt. For many Australians embracing Paleo, coconut aminos offer the rich umami flavour of soy sauce, without any of the compromise.
Paleo-Approved and Gluten-Free
Unlike tamari or traditional soy sauce, coconut aminos are 100% gluten-free and contain no wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives. That makes them ideal not just for those on a strict Paleo or primal diet, but also for anyone with gluten sensitivity or coeliac disease. The slightly sweet and savoury flavour also makes them a hit with kids and fussy eaters alike.
How to Use Coconut Aminos in Everyday Cooking
One of the best things about coconut aminos is how versatile they are. Whether you're whipping up a quick stir-fry, marinating chicken wings, drizzling over roasted veggies, or adding depth to your salad dressings, coconut aminos can do it all. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Use as a 1:1 replacement in any recipe that calls for soy sauce
- Mix with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for a quick Paleo dipping sauce
- Add to bone broth or ramen for an extra umami kick
- Splash into your scrambled eggs or frittata for extra depth
Where to Buy Coconut Aminos in Australia
Although coconut aminos are becoming more popular, they can still be tricky to find in-store. Fortunately, many health food retailers now offer online shipping across Australia. Iherb remains one of the most affordable and reliable options, but you might also find coconut aminos through specialty grocers or Paleo-specific online stores.
A Smarter Choice for Clean Eating
With no soy, no gluten, and no additives, coconut aminos have earned their place in the kitchens of health-conscious Aussies. If you’re transitioning to a clean-eating lifestyle, avoiding inflammatory ingredients, or just want a healthier alternative to soy sauce, coconut aminos are a simple swap that delivers on flavour and function.
Have you made the switch? I’d love to hear your go-to recipes using coconut aminos—share them in the comments below!
I’ve long tried (and failed) to find coconut aminos here. People at health food stores look at me blankly and try to sell me a soy one (sigh). Thanks for the tip.
But before I order, a question: does it taste IN ANY WAY like coconut? Because I frankly loathe coconut (yes, I know, not ideal for someone interested in paleo eating!). I wouldn’t imagine it does, but am curious to know.
In my opinion it doesn’t taste at all “coconutty”, more like soy sauce, though not as salty.
That must be seriously annoying not liking coconut!
Thanks for the links, unfortunately the cheapest one is not in stock at the moment 🙁
Fingers crossed they’ll restock very soon!
Iherb is not planning to stock it anymore 🙁
Ahh, that’s a shame! I wonder why? There seems to be only one company producting it too. I’ll find another way to get it…
Just bought a couple of bottles from Iherb, and thanks for the discount code. Way cheaper than the aussie online option.
That’s great Carol – have you been enjoying it?
I am the supplier of coconut aminos in Australia and New Zealand. Unfortunately I am charged $10 a bottle freight (because it is glass, not plastic and quite heavy) to get it to Australia and its hardly worth me selling it either at $20 a bottle. Perhaps Iherb decided not to sell it anymore as they weren’t making anything out of it. I also stock this companies other 3 products and the shipping rates vary depending on how much you purchase. Sorry but this is the best I can do.
They’ve started stocking it again Jenny. Isn’t it a pity freight is so expensive – if only they could bottle it locally!
Iherb is still selling the coconut aminos. Looking forward to trying it
That’s great – thanks for that Grant, they must have just been temporarily out of stock
Just looking at the Iherb website now, was going to purchase 4 bottles, but the shipping weight totalled 5kg!!!! what is the go, it was going to cost me nearly $40 in shipping for less than 1 Litre of sauce
That seems odd Andrew, the shipping was really reasonable when I ordered. Perhaps there’s a tipping point with the quantities where in becomes a lot more expensive? Not sure – might be worth emailing them to ask?
Hi I found some on the Conscious Choice website – I think it’s correct above – if anyone is interested. They are Sydney based. Ta Ele
Thanks Ele!
Thankyou Ele I was just doing a search for coconut aminos! thankyou for the link I shall purchase 🙂 thank goodness they are sydney based!!! fabulous!!!!! Im so thrilled there is a community here that can help each other out!
Coconut Aminos at Conscious Choice
So would it be ok to use Tamari (just once in a while) since the coconut aminos is so hard to come by??
Hi Kylie, well though Tamari is fermented, it is still a soy product, so I guess it depends on your stance on how strictly you want to avoid soy.
Might be worth trying a few other ingredients to see if you can get a similar taste, perhaps tangerine vinegar, tamarind, anchovies or even horseradish?
Why do you say it isn’t something for regular consumption because it’s fermented?
Thanks so much for that link. I have been scouring the internet looking for them. Nowhere I’ve found in QLD sells them, or has even heard of them. Sigh. Off to order some now.
Glad to have been of help Phoebe. It’s suprising non of the health food shops seem to stock it, isn’t it? Love to hear what you think of it & what you use it for!
For those who are based in New Zealand, Zenian Organic do a Coconut Aminos Sauce and coconut aminos seasoning. I haven’t tried either, but have order some of the sauce. It is fairly well priced too. Here is the link for anyone interested:
Zenian Organic Coconut Aminos (NZ)
That’s great to hear about another brand Nell – I hope they come to Australia too.
found this place that sells it, unfortunatly it is not currently in stock like most places which is a shame because it seems cheaper then anywhere else. also looks to be a different brand from the others ive seen, this is the link if you wanna check back or contact them to see if they will be getting anymore stock:
Coconut Aminos at The Coconut Shop they also sell Coconut syrup which looks pretty awesome! has anyone used this before?
I’d be interested to see what its like to use as a sweetener in paleo deserts and such.
cheers
I always buy it online from iHerb as I’ve not found anywhere locally that I can rely on stocking it. I’m sure we’ll see it in Woolworths one day!
Mammoth Kitchen are in the process of getting this in stock. You can order online, should be available soon.
Mammoth Kitchen are in the process of getting this in stock. You can order online, should be available soon. mammothkitchen they stock a great range of Paleo products and fast delivery.
Thanks Shan – will have to have a look
I’m glad to hear Conscious Choice has it. I’ve been trying to buy coconut aminos from iHerb for ages but it is always out of stock.
It looks like everyone is out of stock, I’ve been searching high & low for them in Australia. I did find another place that has them, mind you it won’t be available for a another week: Nature Pacific (Queensland); their prices are very reasonable. They import the aminos themselves & put their own label on the bottle, plus they have coconut vinegar.
iHerb have one HUGE container in stock…
Thank you for this! I’ve finally purchased coconut aminos!
I managed to get coconut amines at our local health sho
Mere on the Gold Coast. $9.95 for a 250ml bottle!
Hi Bill
Just wondering were abouts on the Gold Coast you bought the bottle of Coconut aminos??
Another one 🙂 Sydney based, very reasonable:
thecoconutshop
Thanks for all this info…was tearing my hair out…most of the Au links are out of stock of the plain coconut aminos but I did get some from nature pacific 🙂 havent looked in health stores here in Perth as haha I dont hold much hope as they are in my experience very behind 🙂 happy tho I can start making some of the recipes in my Well Fed book now 🙂
Hi, as Jon earlier asked – why do you say it’s not for regular consumption if fermented? I was under the impression we should eat fermented foods regularly. Chris Kessler advises this in all I’ve read on his site
Also – check the ingredients first. I found one sold in Australia that had a lot of questionable ingredients 🙁
Hi there, I
have a naturopathic client who has discovered coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. However he is currently on an anti-fungal treatment program and must avoid fermented foods. Do you know if this product is fermented?
Many thanks!
Do you know what the sodium content is per 100ml. I can’t have salt and would LOVE to find a substitute for soy sauce.
Thanks!!
Supplies for Paleo way of eating seems to be best in Canberra. I found Coconut Aminos and a range of other Coconut products there that I could not find in Sydney.
WHERE IN AUSTRALIA CAN U BUY COCONUT AMINOS
Hi Deidre, The best place I’ve found it is online, from iHerb. If you use the code DUV741, you’ll get $5 or $10 discount, which should more than cover shipping.
2 people have asked in reference to the fermented reference above – the comment said, “well though Tamari is fermented, it is still a soy product, so I guess it depends on your stance on how strictly you want to avoid soy.” She wasn’t saying avoid tamari because it is fermented, being fermented is it’s saving grace – rather to avoid it if you are strictly avoiding soy despite it being fermented.
COCONUT AMINOS- in BRISBANE!
Wray’s Organics in Indooroopilly, Brisbane, and in Ipswich carry Coconut Aminos!
Also available at the various Mrs Flannery stores
Love it! I purchased my first botle from Primal Pantry Deli/Cafe in New Farm, out of curiosity , ages before I started Whole30! Love it!
I have decanted mine into my old ‘Kikkoman’ soy bottle! Cheating… but so convenient!
Exactly what I was going to say!!! I’m sure I had no trouble buying my coconut amino sauce from Wray Organic (Cleveland Store).
What is the difference between coconut aminos & coconut syrup?
I buy at Terra Madre in northcote Victoria. There products are way cheaper than other ones !
Terra Madra, awesome store on High St Northcote. They bottle Coconut Aminos instore.
Thanks Raia – this place looks awesome to a country Victorian
Hi Fiona, we are also in country Vic but luckily are close enough to be able to make a trip every now & then to Terra Madra to stock up.
Passionfoods Eco-living Store in South Melbourne also stocks coconut aminos – amongst a whole range of other great ingredients! It’s loacted at 219 Ferrars Street, South Melbourne Passionfoods Eco-living Store (South Melbourne)
I’m in Melbourne and all of the health food stores I go to have them.
I was on the Gold Coast recently though and the IGA on the Gold Coast highway at broadbeach had them. I couldn’t believe it. Lots of other goodies too!
I get mine from IGA
for those in Adelaide South Australia, Henley Beach Foodland sells a number of brands of Coconut Aminos, priced from $8.99.
Liz
Like substitute for coconut aminos availble. However, it contains soy, making it inappropriate for those avoiding this substance.
one of the best blog ever .bookmarked for future read.
I’m telling everyone I know about it ! It makes anything you prepare taste great and the health effects are endless as compared to soy sauce