Soup Pack: Red Miso Powder

Red miso powder is a fermented soybean paste, a staple in Japanese cuisine. It is made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji (a type of mold), along with rice or barley, which gives it its reddish-brown color and savory, umami flavor.

Manufacturers use red miso powder as a flavoring agent to add a deep, savory, and slightly sweet umami taste to foods. It is commonly found in soups, sauces, marinades, and dressings, particularly in Japanese-style noodle dishes.

Red miso powder is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. Fermented foods like miso are often associated with gut health benefits due to their probiotic content, though specific health claims require more research. JECFA has evaluated miso and found it safe for consumption. Some studies suggest potential benefits from the fermentation process and the nutrients in soybeans, but high sodium content is a consideration.