Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans. It’s a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine that has been produced for centuries. However, there has been some debate among Muslim consumers over whether miso is considered halal. This article will examine:

• The background on miso and how it’s produced
• The alcohol content in miso from the natural fermentation process
• Efforts by some companies to certify miso as halal
• Islamic opinions and fatwas on the permissibility of consuming miso

What is Miso?

• First Miso is made by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji mold. This process takes months and results in a thick, rich paste.
• There are many types of miso with varying flavors, colors, and ingredients:
  • Red miso – Made with soybeans fermented for longer and often contains rice or barley. Stronger flavor.
  • White miso – One of the main ingredients is soybeans fermented for a shorter time. Milder and sweeter.
  • Mixes with additions like mushrooms, grains, including vegetables.

“Typically Miso is one made by combining dark soybeans and grain with salt and koji, and allowing the mixture to ferment. The final product is a thick paste used for sauces and spreads.”– Harvard Health

Some well- know miso brands like Marukome and Miso Master are now exploring halal certification.

 

Alcohol Content in Miso

Miso inaka contains trace amounts of alcohol due to the natural fermentation process. Here are some key points:

• The alcohol content in miso usually ranges from 1-2% according to halal certification organizations:

  • JAKIM (Malaysia)
  • LPPOM MUI (Indonesia)

• Alcohol is not added during the production process but results from fermenting the soybeans and grains.

“A small amount of alcohol is produced naturally as part of the fermentation process used to make miso.” – Japan Foundation

• The alcohol content can vary based on:

  • Miso variety (red vs white)
  • Length of fermentation
  • Type of koji mold used

Miso Variety	Fermentation Time	Alcohol Content
Red Miso	Up to 18 months	1-2%
White Miso	Up to 3 months	0.1-0.8%

Companies like Miyasaka Brewing Co. outline their miso production process and alcohol content list.

 

Efforts to Make Halal Miso

Some miso companies in Japan have adapted their production methods to obtain halal certification:

• They do not add any alcohol at any stage of the process.

• Use specific koji molds that lower residual alcohol content.

• Monitor fermentation to keep alcohol under 0.5%.

For example:

• Marukome obtained halal certification in Malaysia for some of its organic miso products.

• Hikari Miso has halal certified miso made with Ophiocordyceps sinensis koji mold to minimize alcohol.

“Our halal-certified miso products are made with a unique taste koji that reduces alcohol production during fermentation.” – Hikari Miso

Some halal certified miso products:

• Marukome Rut ei No Aji
• Hikari Miso Mutenka
• Miyasaka White Miso

 

Islamic Opinions on Miso

There are differing views among Islamic scholars over whether miso is considered halal:

• Many state miso is halal given the low alcohol content and lack of added alcohol in production.

  • Permitted according to JAKIM and MUIS guidelines of less than 2% alcohol.

  • Alcohol is not from an intoxicating source.

• Some argue miso is Mashbooh (questionable) due to the intentional fermentation.

  • Fermentation is done deliberately to produce the miso, unlike bread.

“Miso is halal and permissible to consume as it contains a negligible amount of alcohol produced naturally through fermentation.” – Mufti Faraz Adam, SeekersGuidance

“I have avoided miso due to the alcohol and fermentation. There are difference of opinions on this.” –Shaykh Musa Furber

In summary, there are reasonable arguments on both sides. Some key principles to consider:

• Alcohol source and amount
• Intent behind fermentation process
• Availability of halal-certified options

Frequently Asked Questions-Is Miso Halal?

While miso is a popular ingredient used in Japanese cuisine, its halal status can be a concern for those following a halal diet. Here are some frequently asked questions about the halal status of miso:

What is miso?

Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning made by fermenting soy bean, rice, or barley using koji, a fungus. It is commonly used in miso soup and various other Japanese dishes.

Is miso soup halal?

Plain miso soup made with halal miso paste, choose along with permissible ingredients and no added alcohol, can be considered halal.

Is there a halal certification for miso?

Yes, there are halal-certified miso pastes available in the market. Look for products that are labeled as “halal certified”  you can find on the package to ensure they meet the required standards.

Can I make miso soup at home and ensure it is halal?

Yes, you can make cook miso soup at home by using halal-certified miso paste recipe, also ensuring no non-halal additives or alcohol are used in the preparation.

Are all types of miso halal?

Not all types of miso are automatically halal. It is important to check the ingredients and production process to determine if a specific miso product is halal certified.

Can miso soup contain alcohol?

Miso soup can contain alcohol if alcohol-based additives or sake, a Japanese rice wine, are used in the preparation. However, halal-certified miso paste and permissible ingredients with non alcohol can be used to avoid this concern.

What should I look for to ensure a miso product is halal?

Look for halal certification labels on miso products is essential, which easily indicate they have been inspected and approved by a recognized halal certification organization.

Is miso paste a common ingredient in Japanese food?

Yes, miso paste is commonly used in Japanese cuisine as a flavoring agent and seasoning for soups, especially marinades, dressings, and various other special dishes.

Can I use other types of miso paste instead of halal-certified miso paste?

It is recommended to use halal-certified miso paste to ensure the halal status of your food. Serving other types of miso paste without proper certification may pose a deep risk.

Conclusion

In summary:

• Miso has a long history in Japanese cuisine, where it is widely consumed.

• The general consensus seems to be that miso is halal given:

  • The trace alcohol content from natural fermentation

  • Lack of added alcohol

  • Approval from halal authorities like JAKIM and MUIS

• However, there are still differing views among Islamic scholars. The intent behind fermentation and use of fungi makes miso questionable to some.

• For observant Muslim consumers, it is best to verify the halal status and opt for certified halal miso products. Many brands now offer this:

  • Marukome

  • Miso Master

  • Hikari Miso

“My view is that Muslims should avoid all types of alcohol, even in small amounts. But many scholars have permitted miso due to its importance in Asian cuisine.”– Dr. Hussain Mohammed, Fatwa Center

While the debate continues, the availability of halal-certified miso provides more choice for observant Muslim consumers.