7 Best Ponzu Sauces You Need To Try Right Now

Julie Sherman
by Julie Sherman

Learn what ponzu sauce is and how it enhances Japanese dishes. Discover the best ponzu sauces available online, perfect for tangy, umami-rich flavors on fish, salad, hot pot, and more.

4 min read
7 Ponzu Sauces You Need To Try Right Now-Japanese Taste
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    Ponzu sauce is probably one of the most beloved Japanese condiments out there. It’s tangy, packed with umami, and can be used in a multitude of ways. But have you ever wondered, which ponzu sauce is actually the best? In this article, we’ll cover what ponzu sauce is, what it’s made from, and provide tips for choosing the best one. We’ll also recommend our top 7 favorites.

    What Is Ponzu Sauce?

    What Is Ponzu Sauce?

    "Ponzu" is a Japanese seasoning created from the juice of citrus fruits like lemon, kabosu, and yuzu. Even though it's a well-known term in Japanese, it actually comes from the Dutch word "pons." It has a straightforward and refreshing taste and is sometimes used with other seasonings.

    On the other hand, "ponzu sauce", or “ponzu soy sauce” is a mix of the ponzu sauce we just mentioned and soy sauce. When ponzu sauce comes to mind, this might be the version you’re imagining. In fact, this version is more common in Japan and is often just called "ponzu." Combining soy sauce with ponzu sauce, which is made from citrus fruits and vinegar, results in a versatile condiment that can enhance flavors even when used on its own.

    Another great point about ponzu sauce is that it tends to have less salt than regular soy sauce. The vinegar used in ponzu sauce not only boosts the dish's flavor but also allows for a satisfying result with less salt.

    What Is Ponzu Sauce Made From?

    ponzu sauce ingredients

    While many may think that ponzu is a seasoning made by adding soy sauce to citrus juice, it usually contains a few more ingredients. In many cases, brewed vinegar is added to give ponzu a sharper flavor. Dashi stock made from bonito flakes, kombu, and/or shiitake mushrooms is also often added to give the sauce more umami. Finally, mirin or some form of sugar is added to the sauce to give it a well-rounded flavor.

    The Best 7 Japanese Ponzu Sauces

    Without further ado, here are our top picks for the 7 best ponzu sauces out there.

    How we decided
    • AuthenticityTraditional methods with natural ingredients
    • Quality & ReputationFrom trusted brands
    • Ponzu TasteBalanced tangy and savory notes
    • VersatilityWorks well with multiple dishes

    1. Choko Kakepon Ponzu Organic Yuzu Soy Sauce

    Crafted specifically for dipping, Choko Kakepon Ponzu is infused with the vibrant flavor of yuzu, sourced from Kochi Prefecture. It features an authentic base of light soy sauce, meticulously brewed from whole soybeans. With its light color and subtle taste, it seamlessly enhances the essence of your dishes without overpowering their flavor or altering their color. Choko Kakepon is a great choice for a diverse range of dishes, including yakiniku, shabu-shabu, grilled fish, and hot pot.

    Choko Kakepon Ponzu Organic Yuzu Soy Sauce 400ml

    Best Ponzu for Dipping
    Choko Kakepon Yuzu Ponzu Non-GMO Soy Citrus Seasoning Sauce 400ml

    Choko Kakepon Yuzu Ponzu Non-GMO Soy Citrus Seasoning Sauce 400ml

    Choko Kakepon is a Japanese ponzu sauce made with high quality non-GMO soy sauce, a dash of Japanese brewed vinegar and organic Yuzu fruit from Kochi, Japan.
    $15.99
    Pros
    • Non-GMO soy sauce
    • Organic yuzu
    • Enhances dishes without overpowering
    Cons
    • Not suitable for vegans
    • Flavor may be too citrus-forward

    2. Teraoka Organic Yuzu Ponzu Sauce

    This organic yuzu ponzu sauce from Teraoka contains a generous amount of organic yuzu juice. Achieving a well-balanced acidity and flavor, it blends organic yuzu juice, pure rice vinegar, organic sugar, and bonito flakes soup stock along with organic soy sauce to bring this delicious ponzu sauce to life. It has a refreshing yuzu taste that pairs well with hot pot, tofu, and grilled fish dishes.

    Teraoka Organic Yuzu Ponzu Sauce 250ml

    Best Ponzu for Hot Pot
    Teraoka Certified Organic Yuzu Ponzu Sauce 250ml

    Teraoka Certified Organic Yuzu Ponzu Sauce 250ml

    Teraoka is a shoyu (soy sauce) brewer found on Hiroshima in western Japan that inherits traditional barrel brewing methods as well as production of an authentic soy sauces. This is a tangy ponzu sauce made with soy sauce and yuzu citrus.
    $17.95
    Pros
    • Made with organic ingredients
    • Natural umami from bonito
    • Enhances both light and rich dishes
    Cons
    • Tangy citrus may overpower delicate flavors
    • More expensive than regular ponzu sauces

    3. Suehiro Premium Citrus Ponzu Japanese Sudachi & Yuzu Ponzu

    If you’re looking for a more luxurious ponzu sauce, then Suehiro's Premium Citrus Ponzu Soy Sauce is a great choice. This ponzu sauce is a harmonious blend of four exquisite citrus juices and other natural ingredients infused into Suehiro’s high-quality shoyu.

    Beyond the citrus infusion, this ponzu is expertly seasoned with mirin, konbu kelp stock, and sugar for a well-rounded and flavorful profile. Overall, this is a great ponzu sauce to use for soups, stews, marinades, and even as a dipping sauce.

    Suehiro Premium Citrus Ponzu Japanese Sudachi & Yuzu Ponzu 300ml

    Best Ponzu for Soups and Stews
    Suehiro Premium Citrus Ponzu Sauce Japanese Sudachi & Yuzu Ponzu 300ml

    Suehiro Premium Citrus Ponzu Sauce Japanese Sudachi & Yuzu Ponzu 300ml

    This Premium Citrus Ponzu Sauce by Suehiro will add a fantastic mix of flavors to any dish. They've blended four fantastic citrus juices, as well as other natural ingredients, with their high-quality shoyu to create a well-balanced ponzu sauce.
    $15.95 $13.00
    You save: 18% ($2.95)
    Pros
    • Balanced sweetness and umami
    • Unique blend of four citrus fruits
    • Complex, layered flavor
    Cons
    • Flavor complexity may be too strong
    • Citus flavors may be unfamiliar to non-Japanese

    4. Adachi Organic Yuzu Ponzu Sauce

    Another ponzu sauce that we love is Adachi Organic Yuzu Ponzu Sauce. Adachi's ponzu sauce seamlessly blends the richness of aged shoyu, the tanginess of yuzu, and the umami-packed essence of dashi to craft this delicious sauce.

    Crafted with care, this ponzu sauce features high-quality organic shoyu, along with the delightful flavors of yuzu, sudachi, and umami-packed dashi, ensuring a delicious and well-rounded culinary experience. We love using this ponzu sauce for hot pot and as a dipping sauce for gyoza.

    Adachi Organic Yuzu Ponzu Sauce 360ml

    Best for Gyoza Dipping
    Adachi Yuzu Ponzu Sauce Made With Organic Soy Sauce & Sudachi 360ml

    Adachi Yuzu Ponzu Sauce Made With Organic Soy Sauce & Sudachi 360ml

    Adachi Jozo is a shoyu (soy sauce) brewery local to Hyogo prefecture in the Kansai area of Japan. They specialize in producing high-quality soy products that only contain domestically produced and organic ingredients.
    $16.95
    Pros
    • Made with organic, local ingredients
    • Traditional barrel-aged shoyu
    • Balanced combination of citrus and savory
    Cons
    • Strong umami and citrus may be too intense
    • More expensive than regular ponzu sauce

    5. Takesan Ponzu Green Pepper Spicy Ponzu Sauce

    This unique and spicy ponzu sauce is made by Takesan, a renowned soy sauce manufacturer with a 400-year history in Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture, making it a testament to tradition and quality. Carefully selected domestic ingredients, including Hontaka chili peppers from Shodoshima, yuzu juice from Tokushima Prefecture, and Iyokan fruit juice from Aichi Prefecture, contribute to its distinct character. The sauce is notable for its refreshing flavor, heightened by the zing of hot chili peppers. We think this ponzu sauce would work particularly well in dipping sauces or salad dressings.

    Takesan Ponzu Green Pepper Spicy Ponzu Sauce 200ml

    Best Ponzu for Spicy Salad Dressings
    Takesan Ponzu Green Pepper Spicy Ponzu Sauce 200ml

    Takesan Ponzu Green Pepper Spicy Ponzu Sauce 200ml

    If you're a lover of tangy seasonings but wish they could also be spicy, this Spicy Ponzu Sauce from Takesan will be your new go-to seasoning!
    $15.89
    Pros
    • Tangy citrus with a spicy kick
    • Enhances flavor of meats, sashimi, and salads
    • Umami from bonito and kelp adds depth
    Cons
    • Spicy flavor may be too strong for some
    • Less versatile for traditional Japanese dishes

    6. Kikkoman Yuzuka Yuzu Ponzu Sauce

    This particular Kikkoman ponzu is limited to Japan and it’s made by extracting the juice from two whole yuzus. This ponzu boasts abundant juice and a revitalizing yuzu flavor. The yuzu flavor is enhanced by a light in flavor soy sauce, to really let the yuzu flavor come through. Its versatility shines through, making it suitable for an array of dishes, including hotpots, salads, ohitashi, and gyoza.

    Kikkoman Yuzuka Yuzu Ponzu Sauce 250ml

    Best for Salads
    Kikkoman Yuzuka Yuzu Ponzu Sauce 250ml

    Kikkoman Yuzuka Yuzu Ponzu Sauce 250ml

    This is a ponzu sauce mainly made with soy sauce, citrus juices, vinegar, and dashi. It is a refreshing, tangy, and tasty condiment commonly used in Japan.
    $9.95
    Pros
    • Yuzu flavor from whole-squeezed fruit
    • Mild, smooth soy taste suits many dishes
    • Cheap compared to others on the list
    Cons
    • Flavor may be too light for some
    • Contains added sugar

    7. Uchibori Mino Premium Taste Ponzu Sauce

    Last but certainly not least, this ponzu sauce from vinegar manufacturer Uchibori boasts the bright citrus notes of sudachi and yuzu with this refreshing ponzu sauce. The flavor is elevated by in-house boiled Rishiri kelp and Makurazaki bonito flakes, creating an elegant and well-balanced blend of dashi and citrus fruit juice. It’s the perfect ponzu sauce to use for hot pot and other kinds of soup.

    Uchibori Mino Premium Taste Ponzu Sauce 360ml

    Best for Elegant Hot Pot, Soups
    Uchibori Mino Dashi Flavored Yuzu Sudachi Ponzu Sauce 360ml

    Uchibori Mino Dashi Flavored Yuzu Sudachi Ponzu Sauce 360ml

    This premium Ponzu sauce is a soy-based sauce flavored with Japanese yuzu and sudachi, as well as high quality dashi stock. It has a unique umami flavor, as well as refreshing aroma from the citrus.
    $14.99
    Pros
    • High-quality, natural ingredients
    • No preservatives
    • Versatile for meats, fish, salads, hot pot
    Cons
    • Strong citrus-umami flavor
    • Higher price than standard ponzu

    Have you tried any of the above ponzu sauces? If not, which one is calling your name? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.