Out of Miso, one case
Vegan miso substitute
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Soy sauce + nutritional yeast + sugar
Per 1 tbsp miso
1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast + 1 tsp sugar
The best vegan substitutes for miso paste are soy sauce + nutritional yeast + sugar, tahini + soy sauce + nutritional yeast, or Marmite/Vegemite + water. These provide umami and saltiness without animal products.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full miso paste card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tbsp miso | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soy sauce + nutritional yeast + sugarsoups | 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast + 1 tsp sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Tahini + soy sauce + nutritional yeastdressings | 1 tbsp tahini + 1 tsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeastTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Marmite/Vegemite + watersoups | 1 tsp Marmite + 1 tbsp waterYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 4 | Tamari + nutritional yeast + sugargluten-free cooking | 1 tbsp tamari + 1 tsp nutritional yeast + 1 tsp sugarTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Miso paste (vegan)all miso applications | Same amountWorks | Works |
Soy sauce + nutritional yeast + sugar
similar taste, different texture
Plant-based combination that provides umami, saltiness, and sweetness
- Best for
- soups, sauces, marinades, dressings
Best vegan substitute for miso. Nutritional yeast adds umami depth and cheesy flavor.
Tahini + soy sauce + nutritional yeast
different taste, similar texture
Creamy vegan substitute with umami and nutty flavor
- Best for
- dressings, dips, sauces, marinades
Good for recipes where you want creaminess. Provides umami and nutty flavor.
Marmite/Vegemite + water
different taste and texture
Fermented yeast extract with intense umami flavor
- Best for
- soups, sauces, marinades
Very concentrated umami flavor. Use sparingly and dilute with water.
Tamari + nutritional yeast + sugar
similar taste, different texture
Gluten-free vegan substitute with umami and sweetness
- Best for
- gluten-free cooking, soups, sauces, marinades
Gluten-free option with similar flavor profile to soy sauce combination.
Miso paste (vegan)
similar taste and texture
Traditional miso paste made from fermented soybeans (naturally vegan)
- Best for
- all miso applications, soups, sauces, marinades
Traditional miso paste is naturally vegan. Check labels to ensure no animal products added.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan miso substitutes need to provide umami, saltiness, and sweetness without animal products. Nutritional yeast is the key ingredient for umami flavor, while soy sauce provides saltiness and sugar adds sweetness. The key is combining these ingredients in the right proportions to mimic miso paste's unique flavor profile.
Tips for substituting miso
7 tips- Traditional miso paste is naturally vegan - it's made from fermented soybeans, salt, and koji
- Nutritional yeast is the key ingredient for vegan umami flavor in miso substitutes
- Combine soy sauce with nutritional yeast and sugar for the best vegan miso substitute
- Tahini adds creaminess to vegan miso substitutes, similar to miso paste's texture
- Marmite/Vegemite provides intense umami but use sparingly as it's very concentrated
- For miso soup, use vegetable broth + soy sauce + nutritional yeast + sugar
- Check miso paste labels to ensure no animal products or fish sauce have been added
Notes on miso
- Use soy sauce + nutritional yeast + sugar for best flavor balance
- Try tahini + soy sauce + nutritional yeast for creamy texture
- Use Marmite/Vegemite + water for intense umami flavor
- Try tamari + nutritional yeast + sugar for gluten-free option
- Check that traditional miso paste is vegan (it usually is)
Questions
6 questionsIs miso paste vegan?
Traditional miso paste is naturally vegan as it's made from fermented soybeans, salt, and koji. However, always check labels as some commercial brands may add animal products.
What's the best vegan substitute for miso paste?
The best vegan substitute is soy sauce + nutritional yeast + sugar (1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tsp nutritional yeast + 1 tsp sugar for 1 tbsp miso paste). This provides umami, saltiness, and sweetness.
Can I use nutritional yeast as a miso substitute?
Nutritional yeast alone won't work as a miso substitute, but it's an essential ingredient in vegan miso substitutes. Combine it with soy sauce and sugar for the best results.
Is there a gluten-free vegan miso substitute?
Yes, use tamari + nutritional yeast + sugar (1 tbsp tamari + 1 tsp nutritional yeast + 1 tsp sugar) for a gluten-free vegan substitute that provides similar flavor.
Can I use tahini as a vegan miso substitute?
Yes, tahini + soy sauce + nutritional yeast works well as a vegan miso substitute, especially in dressings and dips where you want creaminess.
How do I make vegan miso soup?
Use vegetable broth + soy sauce + nutritional yeast + sugar (4 cups vegetable broth + 2 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp nutritional yeast + 1 tsp sugar for 4 servings).