Miso paste is sold in most big UK supermarkets and in Asian grocers. The shelf changes from store to store, so this guide tells you where to look first, which store has what, and how to pick the right tub.
Which aisle is miso paste in?
In most UK supermarkets, miso paste is in the world food section. Look for it with the Japanese ingredients, near soy sauce and rice vinegar. Some stores also keep a chilled tub near the tofu or fresh noodles, so check there if the shelf is empty.
Store layouts differ, even within the same chain. Use the section name on the shelf sign rather than an aisle number.
Where to buy it
Tesco sells Blue Dragon Miso Paste in a 135g tub. It also sells Miso Tasty organic white and red miso pastes online, so check the listing for your branch before you go.
Morrisons and Ocado both list Yutaka White Miso Paste in a 100g tub online. It is a good first tub if you want a mild white miso.
Asda is worth checking on its app or website before a trip, since ranges change often. Search for “white miso” and “miso paste” to see what your branch stocks.
Asian grocers usually have a bigger range, larger tubs, and often a lower price per spoonful. You will find white, red, and mixed miso, sometimes from several brands.
Online specialist Japanese food shops ship a wider range than most supermarkets. Miso keeps for months, so a larger tub is often the better value.
Which miso to buy
Miso is made in different colours and strengths, and the type you choose changes the taste of a dish.
- White miso (shiro) is mild and slightly sweet. It suits soups, salad dressings, and quick sauces. If you are buying your first tub, start here.
- Red miso (aka) is stronger and saltier. It works well in stews, braises, and marinades for fish or aubergine.
- Mixed miso (awase) is a blend of the two. Choose it if you only want to buy one tub and cook a bit of everything.
How to use it
Stir a spoonful into hot soup after you turn off the heat. Boiling miso can dull its flavour and make it grainy. To avoid lumps, whisk the paste into a small ladle of the hot stock first, then stir it back into the pot.
For a quick dressing, mix one teaspoon of white miso with rice vinegar, a little oil, and a pinch of sugar. For a marinade, spread a thin layer of miso over fish or aubergine and leave it for an hour before cooking.
How to store it
Keep the tub in the fridge once opened. Smooth the top flat after each use so less air reaches the paste. Miso is salty and fermented, so it lasts for months. The colour darkens with age, which is normal. Check the label for any best-before advice from the brand.
Frequently asked questions
Is miso paste the same as miso soup mix? No. Miso paste is the base ingredient. Instant miso soup packets already contain dashi and seasoning, so you only need hot water.
Do I need to keep miso paste in the fridge? Unopened tubs are usually kept on an ambient shelf. Once opened, keep the tub in the fridge.
Is miso gluten free? Not always. Miso made with barley contains gluten. Rice and soya miso are usually gluten free, but check the label.
Related guides
If you are making miso soup, our miso soup and dashi calculator works out the dashi, miso, tofu and wakame for any number of bowls. For a simple recipe to start with, try our everyday miso soup bowl.
Most miso soup starts with dashi stock. Our dashi guide covers the best brands and where to buy them in the UK.
For the tofu in that soup, read where to buy tofu in the UK. For fresh spring rolls, see where to buy rice paper wrappers in the UK.
For more Japanese pantry staples, see where to buy Japanese ingredients in the UK.