Increased consumer awareness of the health benefits of fermented food fuels this surge. Today, adventurous eaters embrace strong, fermented flavors with open arms. AdvertisingFrom humble kitchens to fine diningLike many global flavors, miso first gained traction in humble settings: Japanese home kitchens, ramen shops and small izakayas. Grocery store shelves are already expanding with flavored miso pastes, miso dressings and even miso ramen kits, reflecting growing consumer demand. Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju is a food and travel writer and a global food systems expert based in Seattle.