Miso paste still good?

Is my miso paste still good?

Hi everyone! I bought a jar of white miso paste quite a while ago, probably during the COVID pandemic. It started off as a beige color, but I never opened it, and now it’s turned a dark brown. I don’t see any mold or anything. Is it still safe to use?

The miso is from the Norita brand, made in Japan, and the best by date is March 24, 2024, although the color changed well before that date. I’m not really sure why I’ve kept it unopened for so long—just curious to see what happens! Is it possible it’s just aged miso now?

(Hope it’s okay to mention the brand! I thought it might help with my question.)


Comments

One response to “Miso paste still good?”

  1. Hi there! It sounds like you’ve been storing your miso for quite a while! Miso paste, especially if unopened and stored properly, can last a long time—even beyond the best by date. The change in color from beige to dark brown is a common occurrence due to oxidation, especially if it has been sitting for some time.

    As long as there are no visible signs of mold or off smells, it should generally be safe to use. The flavor may be more intense, but some people actually enjoy the aged taste. Just give it a good stir to mix things up before using it in your recipes. If you’re ever in doubt, a small taste can help you decide if it’s still good.

    Happy cooking!

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