Store-bought soy sauce tends to be relatively inexpensive due to several factors.
While lots of sauces and dishes from Asian cuisine tend to be pretty pricey, most soy sauces you can find in shops are pretty cheap.
Let's find out more.
Economies of scale
Soy sauce is a widely consumed condiment around the world, and its production is often done on a large scale.
Manufacturers can benefit from economies of scale, which means they can produce a significant volume of soy sauce at a lower cost per unit.
This enables them to offer the product at a more affordable price.
Ingredients and production process
The primary ingredients for soy sauce are soybeans, wheat, salt, and water.
These ingredients are generally affordable and widely available.
The production process involves fermentation, which takes time but does not require extensive or expensive equipment.
This relatively simple production process contributes to the affordability of store-bought soy sauce.
Competition in the market
There are numerous brands and manufacturers producing soy sauce, resulting in a competitive market.
Competition often drives prices down as companies strive to attract customers with affordable options.
This competitive landscape benefits consumers by providing them with a wide range of choices at different price points.
Simplified recipes and variations
While traditional soy sauce may involve longer fermentation processes and specific regional recipes, many store-bought soy sauces use simplified production methods and variations that require less time and resources.
These simplified recipes help streamline production and keep costs lower.
