When you tear open a packet of instant soup, you probably aren’t thinking about the journey each ingredient took to get there. But at Tsubi Soup, every ingredient has a story, and every decision behind it was made with care.
For us, soup is more than comfort food. It’s a daily ritual. A reflection of culture. And in a deeply personal way, nourish yourself and the people you love. That’s why we believe the ingredients inside your bowl matter just as much as the flavors that come out of it.
In this article, we explore why ethically sourced ingredients matter—and why they’ve been at the heart of our brand since the very beginning.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Most instant soups are made for mass production, not nourishment. They’re designed to hit a price point, last on a shelf, and appeal to the broadest audience possible. The result? Soup packed with cheap fillers, artificial flavors, MSG, and seed oils—and very little actual nutrition.
When our founder, Tsubi, transitioned to a plant-based diet during her high-paced corporate career, she was surprised by the scarcity of quick, clean, satisfying, and ethically sourced food options. “Even the so-called ‘healthy’ soups were filled with synthetic nutrients or ultra-processed ingredients,” she says. “They felt more like science experiments than food.”
That frustration became the spark for Tsubi Soup.
Looking for a convenient, healthy instant miso soup?
From Personal Mission to Product Philosophy
What began as a side project to create soup that she could feel good about eating soon turned into a full-blown mission:
To reimagine instant food with the same level of care and intention that goes into a home-cooked meal.
Every decision at Tsubi—from sourcing ingredients to how our products are made—is shaped by a deep commitment to:
- Premium quality
- Nutritional integrity
- Ethical sourcing practices
Tsubi’s background, as both an entrepreneur and a mother of two, deeply influenced this vision.
“If it’s not something I’d serve my own children, I won’t put it in our products. Period.”
What Does Ethical Sourcing Mean?
Ethical sourcing is more than just a marketing term—it’s a commitment to doing business the right way.
At Tsubi Soup, ethical sourcing means prioritizing high-quality ingredients, clean-label food, and a deep respect for the people and processes behind every product. It’s about building a food system rooted in transparency, sustainability, and human dignity.
For our founder, the journey began with a personal mission to discover genuine, nourishing food that was free from artificial additives and hidden chemicals. That mission evolved into a brand that stands for more than flavor—it stands for integrity.
Here’s what ethical sourcing means to us:
- Supporting fair trade practices that empower small producers and communities
- Ensuring fair wages for everyone in the supply chain, from farmers to manufacturers
- Protecting the planet through environmentally sustainable sourcing decisions
- Choosing plant-based nutrition that’s inclusive, healthful, and aligned with long-term wellbeing
- Creating transparent supply chains, so our customers know exactly where their food comes from and how it was made
Ethical sourcing is how we ensure every decision reflects the values we believe in—quality, compassion, and sustainability. At Tsubi, it’s not about mass production. It’s about producing food you can trust—food made with purpose.
So… Why Do Ethically Sourced Ingredients Matter?
Because where your food comes from affects everything.
From taste and nutrition to sustainability and safety, the origin and handling of ingredients have a far greater influence than most people realize.
Here’s what we mean by ethically sourced ingredients—and why they’re worth prioritizing:
1 -They’re Better for Your Body
We use real, whole-food ingredients—never artificial flavorings, MSG, or preservatives. Our vegetables are grown in Japan, traceable back to the farm, and processed in facilities with the highest safety certifications, including HACCP and ISO 22000:2005. That means no corners cut—and no compromises made.
2 - They Support Clean, Transparent Food Systems
Tsubi Soup excludes all 10 radiation-affected prefectures in Japan and only works with trusted suppliers who value transparency and accountability. In a world where many food brands struggle to trace their own raw materials, ethical sourcing practices are crucial.
3 - They’re Kinder to the Planet
We work with local communities, minimize transport emissions, and use BPA-free, non-toxic packaging. Our goal isn’t just nourishment—we also promote sustainable practices.
4 - They Taste Better
Flavor and ethics aren’t mutually exclusive. They’re connected. Our miso is crafted in Kyoto by artisans who have honed their craft for over 200 years. We include 30 grams of real vegetables in every soup cube—because you shouldn’t have to sacrifice satisfaction for speed.
Building a Brand with Integrity
The journey wasn’t easy. In fact, Tsubi’s original manufacturer told her she was “committing food production suicide” by insisting on such high standards. But she held her ground—and created something better a company based on responsible and sustainable methods.
“We could make our soups cheaper. We could use fillers. But then we’d be just like every other brand. That’s not why I started this.”
Instead, Tsubi Soup stands apart by doing what most big food companies won’t:
- Refusing to use seed oils or synthetic ingredients
- Avoiding animal products in favor of inclusive, plant-based recipes
- Creating food that balances speed, quality, and ethics
What’s Next for Ethically Sourced Soup?
We started with miso because it’s a staple of Japanese culture—and Tsubi’s heart. But this is just the beginning.
As we expand our range of soups and flavors, we remain grounded in the same principles:
Quality first. Ethics always. Nourishment above all.
We believe the future of food is clean, convenient, and conscious. And we’re proud to be leading that change—one ethically sourced bowl at a time.
About Tsubi Soup
Founded by Tsubasa "Tsubi" Nishitani, our soups are crafted with love, using clean, plant-based ingredients and delicious veggies for a taste that’s both comforting and wholesome.
FAQ
What are ethically sourced ingredients?
Ethically sourced ingredients are those produced with respect for people, animals, and the environment. This means the supply chain behind them prioritizes fair labor practices, sustainable farming, and transparent sourcing. At Tsubi Soup, ethically sourced means every vegetable, spice, and miso cube is selected not just for taste, but for quality, fairness, and environmental sustainability.
What is an example of ethically sourced?
An example of ethically sourced food is premium miso from Kyoto, produced by local artisans who utilize traditional fermentation methods and adhere to responsible business practices. At Tsubi Soup, we go a step further by sourcing from suppliers with certifications like HACCP and ISO 22000, avoiding regions with environmental risks, and ensuring everyone in the process—from farm to final product—is treated fairly and paid a fair wage.
How can I tell if a product is ethically sourced?
To determine if a product is ethically sourced, look for signs of transparency and traceability. Brands that prioritize ethical sourcing will often:
- Share where their ingredients come from.
- Provide information about certifications or sourcing standards.
- Highlight efforts toward fair trade, sustainability, and clean-label food.
If that information is missing or unclear, the brand may not be upholding ethical sourcing principles.
How do you know if food is ethically sourced?
You can often tell if food is ethically sourced by researching the brand’s values and sourcing policies. Trustworthy companies will be upfront about:
- Where and how their ingredients are grown
- Whether they support fair labor and environmental sustainability.
- If they avoid harmful additives, synthetic ingredients, or exploitative practices.
At Tsubi Soup, we believe that ethically sourced food starts with transparency. That’s why we work exclusively with trusted Japanese suppliers, use fully traceable ingredients, and design our products to nourish both people and planet.