Miso Soup Market Size, Share, Growth Trends, and Forecast 2034

Miso Soup Industry Snapshot

The global Miso Soup market was valued at USD 1.03 billion in 2024 and is set to reach USD 1.84 billion by 2034, growing at a steady CAGR of 6.66%.

Miso soup is a Japanese staple soup produced from miso paste, which is fermented soybean paste, dissolved in dashi (a broth typically manufactured from dried seaweed or fish). The soup may also contain tofu, seaweed, green onions, and vegetables, depending on local and individual tastes. It is popularly consumed in Japan and the rest of Asia and has become popular globally because of its rich umami taste and health advantages. Miso soup is rich in probiotics, protein, vitamins, and minerals and is therefore a common feature in most diets.

The world market for miso soup has been increasing steadily fueled by rising consumers' knowledge on healthy diet practices, growing acceptance of Japanese dishes, and ready-to-use convenience offered by instant and ready meals soup products. The market in North America and Europe is the strongest, particularly due to acceptance of Japanese foods becoming increasingly routine in restaurants as well as within homes. The growth of fermented and plant-based foods has also helped drive the market, as consumers look for healthy and functional foods that promote gut health. The fact that various types of miso soup, including white miso, red miso, and mixed miso, are available also appeals to various tastes.

Major market players are emphasizing product innovation, such as organic and gluten-free products, to appeal to health-conscious consumers. The growth of online shopping and e-commerce websites has increased the availability of miso soup products among global consumers. Fluctuating raw material prices and competition from other instant soup types can impact market growth, though. Notwithstanding this, the overall prognosis for the global miso soup market remains optimistic, with ongoing demand for convenient, healthy, and delicious meal choices.

Miso Soup Market Report Scope

Dynamic Insights

The global miso soup market is fueled by growing consumer consciousness of health and wellness, with more consumers looking for healthy and functional foods. Miso soup, which is high in probiotics, proteins, and key vitamins, is in line with the trend towards gut-friendly and plant-based diets. The increasing popularity of Japanese food globally has also helped drive market growth, with restaurants, food chains, and retail outlets providing a range of miso soup products. Furthermore, the convenience aspect is also an important factor since instant and ready-to-eat miso soup products are well-suited for busy lifestyles. In response, companies are introducing organic, low-sodium, and gluten-free miso soup varieties to appeal to health-oriented consumers.

In spite of these drivers of growth, the market is threatened by volatility in raw material prices, particularly soybeans, and competition from other instant soups. The inclusion of artificial additives in some instant miso soup products has also created concern among health-conscious consumers, resulting in a demand for fresh, homemade versions. Nonetheless, the development of e-commerce and online grocery stores has increased product availability, enabling manufacturers to access a wider consumer base. Strategic alliances, product diversification, and eco-friendly packaging solutions are the primary trends influencing the market, guaranteeing consistent growth in the years to come.

Core Drivers

• Rising Consumer Demand for Healthy and Functional Foods

Growing concern for wellness and health is the key driver of the world miso soup market. Customers are increasingly interested in the use of fermented foods to improve their gut health, immunity, and digestion. As a rich source of probiotics, essential amino acids, and antioxidants, miso soup can comfortably fit into the rising functional food trend. Health-conscious consumers, particularly in Europe and North America, are actively looking for foodstuffs that not only supply nutrition but also promote general well-being.

Furthermore, the popularity of plant-based and low-fat diets has contributed to demand for miso soup since it is commonly eaten as a vegan- or vegetarian-friendly meal. As the prevalence of lifestyle diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases increases, consumers are increasingly adding miso soup to their diet as a healthy meal alternative.

• Growing Popularity of Japanese Cuisine Worldwide

The increasing globalization of food culture has significantly contributed to the growth of the miso soup market. Japanese cuisine, known for its balanced nutrition, fresh ingredients, and umami-rich flavors, has gained immense popularity across different regions, including North America, Europe, and parts of South America. Sushi restaurants, ramen shops, and Japanese-style fast-food chains have expanded globally, introducing more consumers to traditional Japanese dishes, including miso soup.

The inclusion of miso soup as a staple side dish in these restaurants has helped boost its demand. Additionally, food influencers, chefs, and cooking shows have played a role in familiarizing consumers with miso-based dishes, further encouraging home consumption. The availability of miso paste and instant miso soup in supermarkets and online stores has made it easier for consumers to prepare miso soup at home, supporting market growth.

Market Constraints

• Fluctuating Prices of Raw Materials

Among the prominent challenges for the miso soup industry is raw material price fluctuation, and especially soybean, a crucial component of making miso. Climate change, trade barriers, and crop volatility are among factors that may trigger volatile pricing and supply chain bottlenecks. Moreover, the increased demand for non-GMO and organic soybeans, fueled by consumer demand for healthier food, has placed extra pressure on supply chains. This, in turn, raises manufacturing costs for manufacturers, which ultimately translates to increased retail prices. In price-conscious markets, these cost variations might influence consumer purchasing behaviour and thus overall market growth.

• Competition from Alternative Instant Soups and Ready-to-Eat Meals

Although miso soup is becoming increasingly popular, it has stiff competition from other instant soup types, such as vegetable soups, chicken broth, and noodle soups. The market for convenience foods is huge, with several brands providing quick and convenient meal options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Most consumers prefer these alternatives because of familiarity, accessibility, or perceived value for money.

Second, certain instant miso soup products have artificial preservatives, excessive sodium content, or flavor enhancers, which will deter health-oriented consumers from buying them. Increased demand for fresh, freshly made meals also poses a challenge since most consumers want to make traditional miso soup from scratch with nature-based ingredients rather than using packaged ones.

Future Potential

• Expansion of Organic and Clean-Label Miso Soup Products

The increased demand for clean-label and organic food products is a huge opportunity for the miso soup market. Food consumers are now more interested in purchasing food products that do not contain artificial preservatives, additives, and genetically modified ingredients. This has opened up business opportunities for organic miso soup offerings produced from non-GMO soybeans, natural sea salt, and traditionally fermented miso paste.

Brands positioning themselves as providing high-quality, organic miso soup with clear ingredient sourcing can attract health-oriented consumers. Moreover, gluten-free and low-sodium miso soup can serve consumers with specific dietary requirements, further broadening the market opportunity. Brands that invest in eco-friendly and sustainable packaging for their miso soup offerings can also attract green consumers, leading to sales and brand loyalty.

Market Segmentation Overview

• By Product Type

By Product Type, the market for miso soup is segmented into instant miso soup, fresh miso soup, and others. Instant miso soup is very popular because it is convenient to use, as one only needs to add hot water before consumption. It is found in most supermarkets and online shops, hence making it a convenient option for busy consumers. Refrigerated or ready-to-heat fresh miso soup appeals to those who would like a real, restaurant-style flavor in their own homes.

It still enjoys the traditional richness of homemade miso broth but with improved nutritional content. Flavored miso soup mix variants may have additional ingredients such as mushrooms, seafood, or vegetables, which suit various taste and dietary requirements. Growing demand for plant and functional foods has fueled new product developments within these categories.

• By Packaging Type

By Pack Type, miso soup is packaged in many different forms such as cans, pouches, packets, and other creative pack types. Canned miso soup has a longer shelf life and is often utilized for ready-to-heat products. Pouches have become popular owing to their lightweight, compact packaging and the capability to maintain freshness without the need for preservatives. Packets, commonly used in instant miso soup products, are extremely convenient for single-use and are also used in offices and homes. Other packaging solutions like biodegradable or recyclable containers are on the rise as sustainability takes center stage with consumers. The packaging decision largely determines product appeal, convenience during storage, and shelf stability and, therefore, influences consumer choice.

• By Distribution Channel

By Distribution Channel, miso soup products are retailed via supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, online stores, and other. Supermarkets and hypermarkets continue to dominate as they offer a comprehensive selection of miso soup variants, including instant, fresh, and organic types, making it easy for consumers to compare brands. Convenience stores are significant drivers of impulse buys and serve customers who seek easy meal solutions.

Internet-based retailers, including food giants and specialty food websites, have considerably improved market access, providing bulk orders, subscription schemes, and specialty product types. Other channels, such as Asian food grocery stores and health food stores, serve niche markets and consumers of premium or traditional miso soup. The growing inclination towards online shopping and home delivery has further consolidated the position of online platforms in market extension.

Regional Overview

The Asia-Pacific region leads the world in the miso soup market, thanks mainly to Japan's long-established culinary culture and extensive use of miso-based foods. As the origin of miso soup, Japan has a well-developed domestic market with traditional and instant forms being common household foods. China and South Korea have also incorporated miso-based foods into their diet, driving regional demand. Growing demand for healthy foods in countries such as Australia and India has further boosted popularity of miso soup, specifically due to probiotic and digestive benefits. A heightened focus on convenience has pushed ready-to-consume and instant miso soups to increasing popularity throughout the cities of the Asia-Pacific region.

North America and Europe are seeing a boom in the consumption of miso soup, fueled by the popularity of Japanese food and the trend towards healthy, fermented foods. Demand for instant miso soup in the United States has been especially strong among people looking for speedy but healthy meals. The growing organic and vegan food industry in the mentioned regions has also spurred the development of high-end miso soup products that use non-GMO soybeans and natural ingredients. In Europe, nations such as the UK, Germany, and France have welcomed miso soup as a part of their growing Asian food culture, with supermarkets and specialty outlets carrying fresh and packaged options.

Meanwhile, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are still developing markets with restricted but increasing recognition of miso soup. Growing Japanese restaurant chains, combined with the spread of Asian foodstuffs into supermarket shelves, are fueling creeping adoption in these markets. Although miso soup remains a non-mainstream food item, increasing disposable incomes and consumption of international food are likely to increase market penetration in the future.

Market Player Analysis

Japanese food firms like Marukome Co., Ltd., Hikari Miso Co., Ltd., and Miyasaka Jozo Co., Ltd. hold a majority share in the market because of their extensive knowledge about the manufacturing process of miso and their excellent distribution networks all over Asia and worldwide. All these firms deal in an enormous variety of miso soup, ranging from classical fresh miso soup to instant forms, along with organic or non-GMO versions to support changing consumer requirements. Moreover, global food majors like Nestlé, Unilever, and Campbell Soup Company have recently entered the miso soup segment, using their large retail infrastructure and brand base to launch quick, easy-to-consume miso soup formats in Western economies.

Smaller health-conscious food firms and artisanal brands are also picking up steam by providing high-end miso soup products with organic, gluten-free, or vegan options to attract health-oriented consumers. The increasing online retail market has also fueled competition, with online stores offering a platform for niche brands to access global consumers. Supermarket chains' private-label brands are also making their entry into the market, providing affordable miso soup substitutes, which contribute to the competitive squeeze. To remain competitive, major players are emphasizing product innovation, eco-friendly packaging, and strategic alliances with restaurants and convenience stores to increase their penetration. The market is also seeing cross-industry partnerships among miso soup companies and food delivery outlets to further expand reach for consumers in need of healthy and speedy meal solutions.

Leading Companies

• Saikyo-Miso Co.
• Iyasaka Jozo Co.
• The American Miso Company
• Marukome
• Hikari Miso Co. Ltd.
• Yamato Soysauce & Miso Co.
• Source Foods
• Miyako Oriental Foods Inc. 

Recent Highlights

• In February 2024, Hikari Miso introduced its Makanai Miso Soup Awase, a unique blend of white and red miso, designed to enhance both flavor and nutrition. This new product caters to health-conscious consumers, offering a quick and flavorful miso soup option. The launch reflects the brand’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and the increasing demand for convenient yet nutritious meal solutions.
• In December 2023, Miso Tasty launched its new vegan miso soup kits, featuring authentic Japanese dashi made entirely from plant-based ingredients. These kits address the growing demand for vegan-friendly options while preserving the traditional flavors of miso soup. This innovation provides a convenient, delicious, and health-conscious alternative for soup lovers and those seeking plant-based meal solutions.

Miso Soup Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Instant Miso Soup
• Fresh Miso Soup
• Other Variants

By Packaging Type

• Cans
• Pouches
• Packets
• Other

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retailers
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico

• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Rest of Europe

• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Rest of Asia Pacific

• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina

• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

Objectives of the Study

The study focuses on analyzing the global Miso Soup market through the following key objectives:

• Market Sizing and Forecasting: Estimate the market size and growth for Miso Soup By Product Type, By Packaging Type, By Distribution Channel, and Region from 2025 to 2034.
• Market Dynamics and Trends: Analyze key drivers, challenges, and opportunities shaping the market, along with evolving consumer preferences and fashion trends.
• Consumer Insights: Understand factors influencing consumer behavior, including brand perception, sustainability, and regional differences.
• Competitive Landscape: Profile major players with insights into financial performance, product portfolios, SWOT analysis, and strategic initiatives.
• Strategic Recommendations: Identify future trends, technologies, and actionable strategies for stakeholders to drive growth and address challenges effectively.

Miso Soup Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Instant Miso Soup
• Fresh Miso Soup
• Other Variants

By Packaging Type

• Cans
• Pouches
• Packets
• Other

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retailers
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico

• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Rest of Europe

• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Thailand
  • Rest of Asia Pacific

• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina

• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Kuwait
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa