Is Miso Vegetarian?

If you’re a vegetarian home cook exploring the world of Japanese cuisine, you might wonder: is miso vegetarian? The good news is that miso paste itself is vegetarian. You just have to be aware of other ingredients that may have been added.  

Traditional miso is made by fermenting soybeans with salt and a grain like rice or barley using a fermentation starter called koji. These ingredients are all plant-based. The fermentation process produces a savory, deeply aromatic paste packed with umami, adding incredible depth to soups, dressings, and marinades without using animal products.

But here’s where it gets tricky: while miso paste itself is typically vegetarian, products made with miso can contain other ingredients that may not be vegetarian-friendly. Instant miso soup mixes and miso soup served in restaurants commonly include dashi, a traditional Japanese soup stock that can include dried fish.To ensure you’re buying vegetarian miso paste or instant soup, check the label carefully and avoid instant soup mixes unless you can confirm they are made with plant-based ingredients. To help you find vegetarian miso, we have a list of Vegan miso products, where you’ll find all of our plant-based miso, including vegetarian instant soups. You can also browse our collection of vegetarian miso recipes, all designed to showcase the bold, umami-rich flavor that miso can introduce into your cooking.