Is Miso Soup Keto-friendly?

If you're one of the nearly 5% of Americans who follow a keto diet then you're likely used to having to check whether your favorite appetizers and dishes are keto-friendly or not. If you love miso soup then today you're in luck.

This classic Japanese dish is often enjoyed as a light starter or side. It's made with a broth of miso paste and dashi, which are both keto-friendly ingredients, so you might be wondering if miso soup is keto-friendly too. 

This quick guide will answer that question and provide you with all of the information you need to ensure you're choosing a healthy, hearty soup that fits within your daily macros.

What Is Miso Soup?

Miso soup is a traditional Japanese dish that is made by simmering miso paste in water. You make miso soup paste from fermented soybeans. The resulting flavor is rich, salty, and savory. 

How do you typically eat miso soup? Traditionally, you'll find it served with tofu, seaweed, and green onions. Likewise, you can enjoy this delicious Japanese treat either hot or cold. 

Finding the right ingredients makes a lot of difference, though. The miso paste adds a savory umami flavor to the broth, while the tofu provides a creamy texture and subtle flavor. This is where the flavor key lies.

Ingredients in Miso Soup

What's in miso soup that makes it so tasty (and great for a keto diet)? Let's take a look at the ingredients list.

First, we have miso paste. This is the key ingredient in miso soup, and it's made from fermented soybeans. It gives the soup its characteristic salty flavor.

Next, we have dashi or a type of broth made from kelp and bonito flakes. This ingredient adds a subtle umami flavor to the soup. It also mixes well with the vegetables in the soup. This includes wakame, tofu, and green onions, which add nutrients and flavor to the soup.

Finally, we have water. Water helps dilute the miso paste and dashi, and it also helps to thin out the soup. While you might find a few more ingredients thrown into the mix depending on the chef or brand, these are the key ingredients that go into miso soup. 

As you can see, the soup looks like a pretty keto-friendly soup, right? That brings us to the main question

Is Miso Soup Keto-Friendly?

Yes, miso soup is keto-friendly! Miso soup, apart from being quite low in calories, is also an incredibly low-carb soup.

Depending on the brand you purchase the soup from or the recipe you use, a full serving of miso soup (a cup) contains less than 8 grams of net carbohydrates. At OhSo Tasty, our miso soup serving has just 7 grams of net carbs.

In addition to miso soup being low in calories and carbohydrates, it is also a great nutrient-rich meal option. And being rich in essential micronutrients, it provides some digestive benefits, even helping to protect against certain types of diseases.

The bottom line? Miso soup is not just an especially tasty soup. It's also an incredibly easy dish to make for anyone on a keto diet.

Health Benefits of Miso Soup

Many people adhere to a keto diet for health reasons that include weight loss and improved energy.

By drastically cutting carbs, the body enters a state of ketosis, where it begins to burn fat for energy instead of glucose. This can lead to quick weight loss as well as potentially boost energy levels and improve brain function. 

While these are all great reasons to eat keto (and keto-friendly miso soup), this Japanese soup also boasts several other health benefits.

High Protein

While there are many different versions of miso soup, one of the most notable things about this dish is its high protein content, making it a great choice for those who are vegetarians and vegans. 

A single serving of OhSo Tasty miso soup can provide 2 grams of protein. While that's not the type of protein you need to build muscle, it's a decent amount of protein for a soup that doesn't contain meat or other calorie-rich foods.

Low Carb

For those following a keto diet, miso soups are an ideal option due to their low carbohydrate content. This makes this type of soup a great choice for people trying to reduce their carbohydrate intake and an ideal food for people trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Digestive Health

Miso soup has been shown to have several health benefits, including improved digestive health. 

The fermentation process that miso undergoes helps to break down the soybeans, making them easier to digest. In addition, the beneficial bacteria that are produced during fermentation can help to improve gut health. 

Miso soup is also a good source of fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Fiber helps to keep the digestive system moving and prevents constipation. Consequently, regular consumption of miso soup can help to improve digestive health.

What Are Other Keto-Friendly Soups?

If you're following a keto diet, you may think that soup is off-limits. After all, many soups are made with high-carb ingredients like potatoes, rice, and pasta. However, there are plenty of keto-friendly soup recipes out there.

For example, are you following a keto diet but still craving curry soup? Look no further than OhSo Tasty's Kickin Curry Soup. This pescatarian take on Japanese curry offers all the delicious flavors without the carb-heavy addition of rice. 

And, it's packed with veggies for added nutrients and fiber. Plus, the mild heat level means it's suitable for just about everyone's taste buds. So go ahead, and treat yourself to a bowl (or two) of this tasty curry soup without feeling guilty.

Likewise, our Flamin Tomato Soup is another great option for those interested in a flavorful keto-friendly soup. Our tomato soup is packed with flavorful veggies and newdles, making it the perfect satisfying meal for those on a keto diet. 

The tomato base gives it that classic tomato soup taste but with added warmth and zest thanks to our secret blend of spices.

When it comes down to it, finding keto-friendly soups isn't as hard as you probably thought. If you're looking for a delicious and nutritious way to stay on track with your keto diet, try one of these soups! You won't be disappointed.

Browse Our Other Keto-Friendly Soups

We're committed to bringing you products that are low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, non-GMO, and all-around healthy. That's why we've created an entire line of keto-friendly soups for you to try.

Whether you're hankering for some tasty miso soup or are in the mood for something super spicy, we've got you covered. Click here to browse through all of our flavorful soups.