Where to Buy Miso

If you’re new to cooking with miso—or just wondering where to buy miso paste, here’s everything you need to know. This deeply savory fermented soybean paste is a pantry staple in Japan, but finding it in an American grocery store can feel like a scavenger hunt. 

Miso can be found in several types of shops, including supermarket chains, health food stores, Asian grocery stores, and online retailers.

In supermarkets and health food stores, check the refrigerated section near the produce—that’s where miso can often be found alongside tofu, fresh noodles, or kimchi. Because miso is a preserved food, some stores stock it in the shelf-stable aisle of international foods, tucked beside soy sauce and other Asian condiments. A good strategy is to check your local grocery store’s website. Not only will you find out if miso is available there, but stores often list the aisle where you can find it.

If you live in an area with an Asian market (or, better yet, a Japanese grocery store), this will be your best bet for variety. You’ll often find a whole section devoted to fermented bean pastes, including miso. In addition to the most common White Miso, you may also find special varieties such as Red Miso, Saikyo Sweet Miso, and Aged Black Miso. 

If you live in a rural area without access to many grocery options, you might try to look online. Amazon sells miso in many countries and online Asian grocers like Weee! carry a wide selection of miso products. 

No matter where you shop, miso’s umami-rich flavor makes it worth the search. It’s not just for soup—it’s a versatile ingredient that adds depth to marinades, dressings, sauces, and even desserts.