Kayanoya's Dashi Stock Powder is the best version of this essential Japanese ingredient. In addition to the traditional bonito flakes, the powdered soup stock gets layers of savory complexity from sardines, herring and roasted flying fish for a meaty-rich flavor and delicate aroma like smoked fish. And unlike many store-bought versions, it's not overly “fishy” or salty.

In addition to miso soup and other Japanese applications, use it to make seafood paella, soups and stews for a smokier, more refined flavor than fish stock. Kayanoya’s stock packets are designed much like tea bags and can be used in two ways: For a clear broth, place the stock packet intact in a pot of water; for a stronger, cloudy broth, tear the packet open and add the powder directly to the water. Either way, in just a few minutes the easy-to-use packets yield complex stock that tastes homemade.

Kayanoya uses meaty shiitake and earthy, woodsy maitake mushrooms to make this savory and aromatic broth. We can't get enough of its delicate flavor profile—the subtle extra additions of savory fermented seasonings and yeast result in a much cleaner and clearer mushroom flavor than store-bought mushroom stocks. We also like the convenience factor of the powder packets, which allow you to adjust the strength of the stock to your liking.

We find that store-bought vegetable broth often leans too sweet and tastes strongly of the carrots used to make it. Kayanoya Vegetable Stock Powder is far more balanced, with a subtle sweetness and a complex, lightly caramelized onion flavor; the result is similar to a French onion soup base. We also like the convenience factor of the powder packets, which allow you to adjust the strength of the stock to your liking.

Aromatic, complex dashi is the base of many Japanese soups like miso soup. And this well-seasoned salt allows you to add its savory flavor to anything. Salt from Japan’s Amakusa Sea meets umami-packed bonito flakes (the smoked and dried mackerel that gives dashi its distinctive taste), roasted flying fish and dried herring. The ingredients read more like a fish monger’s stock list than a pantry label. Delicate flecks of kombu (seaweed) add a delicate ocean-y brine. A small pinch of the stuff transforms even the simplest of meals with savory, smoky roasted flavor. It can elevate a simple broth and more instantly!

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