Commonly used in East Asia for chutneys and curries, tamarind is also a staple in popular dishes such as Pad Thai. While it may be delicious, there’s a lot of mystery surrounding this sauce and its exact ingredient composition. What is this sauce made of and is it gluten free?
Tamarind Sauce is considered gluten-free. Tamarind is derived from a sticky fruit which grows on a tamarind tree. However, tamarind sauce may contain additional ingredients such as sesame oil, agave syrup, apple juice concentrate, and tamari soy sauce. It is important to always check the label and read the ingredients. The best gluten-free alternative is Yai’s Thai Pad Thai Sauce.
Let’s take a closer look at tamarind sauce, its nutritional information, and other gluten-free alternatives.
Contents
Tamarind Health Benefits
- Antioxidants: tamarind contains multiple phytonutrients and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Heart Health and Cholesterol: due to its flavonoids and polyphenols, tamarind has proved to both lower cholesterol as well as increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Some of its properties have also been proved to reduce blood pressure.
- Liver Benefits: antioxidants in tamarind have proved to counter fatty liver disease.
- Anti Cancer: according to studies, the tamarind’s phytochemicals (antioxidants) can prevent free radicals from damaging DNA cells.
- Brain Health: tamarind is rich in B vitamins such as folate and thiamine, which are essential for brain and nervous system health.
What Does Tamarind Taste Like?
Derived from the tamarind tree, tamarind is naturally sticky and sour. The texture is similar to dates but the flavor is much more sour and tart than dates. As the fruit matures and ripens, the flavors becomes much sweeter. It is completely safe to eat tamarind raw.
While the actual tamarind fruit flavor ranges from sour to sweet based on ripeness, tamarind sauce will typically be sweet. Tamarind sauce contains additional ingredients, such as soy sauce, juice concentrates, or sugar to make it more palatable.
Tamarind puree or paste are much more sour than tamarind sauce, as these are usually used as a base for other sauces.
Tamarind Nutritional Information by Product
Pure Indian Foods, Organic Tamarind Paste
With only two ingredients, this paste is certified gluten-free by the manufacturer. The paste is made with bean pods that are less ripe, making it more tart than sweet.
Ingredients:
- Organic Tamarind Pulp
- Water
Nutritional Facts (per 1 tsp., 2.5g):
- Calories: 5
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carb: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: <0.5g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Glory Bee Organic Tamarind Puree
While this puree is not certified gluten-free, it contains only one ingredient. It is certified organic and non-GMO verified.
Ingredients:
- Organic Tamarind Pulp
Nutritional Facts (per 1 tbsp., 14g):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 13.5g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carb: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Essie Spice, Sauce Tamarind OH
Sweeter than the puree or concentrate, this sweet and tangy sauce and marinade can be used in savory dishes as well as an ice cream topper!
Ingredients:
- Guava Pulp
- Water
- Tamarind Puree
- Brown Sugar
- Ginger Juice
- Vanilla Extract
- Organic Lime Juice
- Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate (Water, Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate, and Pulp)
Nutritional Facts (per 2 tbsp., 40g):
- Calories: 80
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Total Carb: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 14g
- Includes 14g Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Ancho + Morita Smokey Tamarind Hot Sauce
Versatile yet mild, this tamarind hot sauce is made from Morita chilies: the perfect smoky topper! This hot sauce is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. Though the label mentions it is gluten-free, the label also includes a disclaimer that this sauce is made in a facility that also processes dairy, tree nuts, wheat, and soy.
Ingredients:
- White Vinegar
- Pure Cane Sugar
- Tamarind
- Raisins
- Garlic
- Gluten-Free Soy Sauce
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Dried Morita Chile
- Kosher Salt
- Dried Ancho Chile
Nutrition Facts (per 1 tsp., 5g):
- Calories: 10
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Total Carb: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Salsaology Ancho Chile & Tamarind Sauce
Tamarind is not only used in Asian and Indian cooking, but also Mexican cooking and this sauce does just that! Inspired by the flavors of Jalisco, this sauce combines peppers, tamarind, and peanut butter for a delicious savory sauce. This sauce is gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Tomatillos
- Onion
- Peanut Butter (Roasted Peanuts)
- Dehydrated Chile Peppers
- Brown Sugar
- Tamarind
- Cilantro
- Sea Salt
- Garlic
- Spices
- Chipotle in Adobo (Chipotle Peppers, Water, Onion, Tomato Paste, Canola Oil, Sugar, White Vinegar, Salt, Garlic, Spices, Natural Flavor)
- Olive Oil
- Citric Acid
- CONTAINS PEANUTS
Nutrition Facts (per 15g):
- Calories: 20
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Total Carb: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 1g
Healthy Gluten-Free Alternatives to Tamarind Sauce
Yai’s Thai Pad Thai Sauce
Tamarind is typically used as a base for Pad Thai sauce, so this sauce by Yai’s Thai is the perfect gluten-free alternative! It uses only whole foods and clean ingredients, and is ready to be used on your favorite Asian inspired dish.
Ingredients:
- Apple Juice
- Tamarind
- Tomato Paste
- Coconut Aminos
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Lime Juice
- Vinegar
- Sea Salt
- Paprika
- Thai Chilis
Nutrition Facts (per 1 tbsp.):
- Calories: 15
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carb: 3g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Yai’s Thai Thai Almond Sauce
Gluten-free, keto, paleo, dairy-free, Whole30 approved, and vegan, this sauce is suitable for many diets. The ingredients are best in class and this sauce can be used as a salad dressing or with noodle dishes.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Almonds
- Coconut Milk
- Sunflower Oil
- Tamarind Juice
- 100% Lime Juice
- Vinegar
- Ginger
- Shallots
- Red Bell Pepper
- Garlic
- Sea Salt
- Lemongrass
- Galangal Root
- Thai Chilis
- Lime Leaves
- Acacia Gum
- Guar Gum
- Paprika
- Coriander
Nutrition Facts (per 1 tbsp., 14g):
- Calories: 40
- Total Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carb: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: <1g
- Total Sugars: <1g
- Protein: 1g
Primal Kitchen No Soy Teriyaki Organic Sauce & Marinade
Truly one of the best sauces on the market, this teriyaki sauce by Primal Kitchen is full of flavor, with clean ingredients such as dates as a sweetener. It is also certified gluten-free, organic, non-GMO, Whole30 Approved, Keto, and Paleo.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Organic Coconut Aminos (Organic Coconut Syrup, Himalayan Salt)
- Organic Balsamic Vinegar (Organic Wine Vinegar, Organic Concentrated Grape Must)
- Organic Dates
- Organic Orange Juice Concentrate
- Sea Salt
- Organic Tapioca Starch
- Organic Ginger
- Organic Garlic
- Organic Tamarind
- Organic Sesame Seeds
- Organic Distilled Vinegar
- Organic Sesame Oil
- Organic Yeast Extract
Nutrition Facts (per 1 tbsp., 15g):
- Calories: 15
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carb: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 3g
- Includes 2g Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Just Date Syrup Organic Pomegranate Molasses
Sticky and sweet, just like tamarind sauce, this pomegranate molasses is gluten-free, organic, paleo, and vegan.
Ingredients:
- Organic Pomegranate
- Medjool Date
Nutrition Facts (per 0.5 oz., 17g):
- Calories: 50
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carb: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 11g
- Includes 0g Added Sugars
- Protein: 0g
Final Thoughts
Tamarind is versatile and can be found in many forms such as sauce, puree, concentrate, hot sauce, and more. It can be used in sweets and as an ice cream topper, or in savory dishes such as curries, chutneys, and Pad Thai. Overall, tamarind sauce is gluten-friendly and many brands are certified gluten-free. It is important to always read the label and check the ingredients, as well as look for the gluten-free certification.
Related Questions
Is tamarind sauce the same as tamarind paste?
While both the sauce and paste are made from tamarind, the two are not the same. The paste tends to be more tangy and sour, as it is made from beanlike pods that are not as ripe as the ones used for the sauce.
Is there something I can substitute tamarind paste with in a pinch?
Yes! If you do not have tamarind paste laying around or easily accessible, you can substitute it by combining tomato paste with a single squeeze of lime.
Is tamarind used medically?
Yes, tamarind has several known health benefits. It has been used to make medicine and to relieve symptoms such as constipation, fever, gallbladder disorders, as well as dry eye.
Is tamarind certified gluten-free?
Tamarind is listed as gluten-free on the Celiac Disease Foundation website. It is important to always check the label, as tamarind sauces have added ingredients.