Almost all wasabi sold in UK shops is not real wasabi. It is horseradish, mustard powder and green colouring, made to taste and look similar. Real wasabi, from the Wasabia japonica plant, is rare and expensive, and is almost never what comes in a tube or a sachet.
This is not a problem. Imitation wasabi tastes good and works well with sushi and other dishes. This guide covers what to buy and what the label actually means.
Real wasabi vs imitation wasabi
Real wasabi is a fresh rhizome, grated to order, with a milder heat that fades fast. Imitation wasabi, made from horseradish, mustard and green dye, is sharper and the heat lasts longer. Nearly every tube, sachet or powder sold in a UK supermarket is the imitation kind, including the small green paste that comes with supermarket sushi.
Tube, powder or sachet
- Tube paste (S&B is the common brand) is the easiest option, ready to squeeze straight onto a plate.
- Powder needs mixing with a little cold water into a paste, then resting for a few minutes so the heat develops fully.
- Sachets that come with takeaway or supermarket sushi are the same imitation paste in a single serving size.
What to check on the label
- Ingredients list starting with horseradish, not wasabi rhizome, if you want to know it is the imitation kind.
- Powder tends to keep its heat and flavour longer than a paste once opened.
- Some brands add extra chilli, which changes the heat profile from a classic wasabi kick.
Wasabi formats compared
| Format | Convenience | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tube paste | Ready to use | Everyday sushi nights |
| Powder | Needs mixing | Longer shelf life, larger batches |
| Single sachets | Ready to use | Takeaway style portions |
FAQ
Is powder or tube wasabi better?
Neither is better outright. Tube paste is more convenient, while powder keeps its flavour longer once opened and lets you control how much you mix at a time.
Why does my wasabi taste like horseradish?
Because it likely is mostly horseradish. Almost all wasabi sold outside Japan is made this way, so this is normal rather than a sign of a bad product.
How long does wasabi paste keep once opened?
A few weeks in the fridge, though the heat fades over time. Powder keeps its punch for longer since it is only mixed with water when needed.
Read more on what wasabi actually is, or head to the sesame prawn toast recipe for another dipping sauce pairing.
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- Wasabi paste. Ready to squeeze straight from the tube.
- Wasabi powder. Keeps its heat longer once opened.
