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Mirin sits close to soy sauce on most shelves, but the bottle looks enough like a cooking wine that it is easy to walk straight past.
Which aisle is mirin in?
Mirin is in the world food aisle of UK supermarkets, in the Japanese section next to soy sauce and rice vinegar. It is not usually treated as an alcoholic product for shelving purposes, since the alcohol content is low.
Where to look, supermarket by supermarket
- World food aisle, Japanese section. Bottled next to soy sauce and rice vinegar. This is where most brands sit.
- Cooking sauces and condiments. Occasionally shelved with other Asian cooking liquids instead.
Aisle numbers vary between branches, so the section is the reliable guide, not a number.
Where mirin is in Waitrose
Waitrose stocks mirin in the world food aisle with its Japanese ingredients, usually a Yutaka or Clearspring bottle. Smaller branches carry a narrower range or none at all.
How to find the exact aisle in your store
Search the product on your supermarket app before travelling, to confirm your branch stocks it and see the aisle location.
Hon mirin vs mirin style seasoning
| Type | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Hon mirin | Naturally fermented, some alcohol | Traditional glazes and dressings |
| Mirin style seasoning | Sweetened, little brewing | A cheaper everyday swap |
What to ask a member of staff
Say mirin, Japanese, rather than describing it as a wine or vinegar, since staff not familiar with it may send you to the wrong shelf otherwise.
Asian supermarkets
A Japanese grocer carries a wider range of mirin, including proper hon mirin, often at a better price than the single supermarket own brand.
Buying mirin online
Mirin keeps for a long time and posts easily, so buying a larger bottle online is a good option if your local stores carry a limited range.
Storing it
Keep the bottle in a cool cupboard, tightly capped. It keeps for a long time thanks to its sugar and alcohol content, though flavour is best within a few months of opening.
Frequently asked questions
Do all supermarkets sell mirin?
Larger branches of the main chains generally do. Convenience formats often do not, so a bigger store or a Japanese grocer is the safer trip.
Is mirin alcoholic?
Hon mirin contains a small amount of alcohol from brewing. Mirin style seasoning generally does not, or only a trace.
What can I use instead of mirin?
A mix of rice wine or dry sherry with a little sugar gets close if you have none in the cupboard.
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- Mirin. A store cupboard bottle for glazes and dressings.
