About Clearspring
Clearspring: Pioneering Authentic Japanese and Organic Fine Foods Since 1993 Clearspring has spent over three decades bringing authentic Japanese culinary traditions to British kitchens. Founded by Christopher Dawson, this independent family business specialises in traditionally produced miso, tamari, noodles, and seaweed alongside broader organic fine foods. At Grocefully, we help you compare Clearspring prices across UK retailers, ensuring you find the best deals on these premium organic products. A Lifetime Dedicated to Japanese Food Culture The Clearspring story is inseparable from its founder Christopher Dawson's personal journey. At age 18, he began studying vegetarian diets and organic agriculture, interests that would shape his entire life. From New Zealand to London, Dawson settled and opened the East West Natural Foods Store in Old Street in 1977. His travels throughout Europe, America, Australia, and Asia deepened his understanding of Far Eastern philosophical principles and food traditions. Japan proved transformative. In 1979, Dawson accompanied the President of Mitoku Co., Ltd on a tour of natural food enterprises throughout Japan. So compelling was the experience that in 1980, he moved to Japan to work full-time at Mitoku, where he studied Japanese foods and production methods. Those 18 years living in Japan made Dawson an expert on miso quality and traditional Japanese food production. He learned directly from family producers whose techniques had been refined across generations – knowledge impossible to acquire from books or brief visits. Christopher and his wife Setsuko have lived a vegan lifestyle since the 1970s, raising their family according to these principles. This personal commitment informs every aspect of Clearspring's approach to food. In May 2007, Dawson's lifelong dedication to Japan's traditional food culture received official recognition. In the presence of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, he became the only non-Japanese person to receive the Award for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food from Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Building Clearspring Dawson established Clearspring in 1993 with clear principles: distribute great-tasting traditional foods that support good health, promote sustainable agriculture, and provide economic stability for producer communities. This mission statement captures something essential. Clearspring isn't merely importing interesting foreign foods – the company actively supports traditional producers whose methods might otherwise disappear under commercial pressure. From those beginnings focused on Japanese miso soup, Clearspring has grown to over 300 certified Organic and Demeter products. These products come from 88 food producers across 15 countries, reflecting careful curation rather than indiscriminate expansion. Today, Clearspring distributes products in over 60 countries worldwide whilst maintaining its London base and family ownership. Christopher Dawson remains chairman and majority shareholder, ensuring the company's founding principles guide ongoing development. The Product Range Clearspring offers comprehensive ranges spanning Japanese specialities and broader organic fine foods. Miso and Instant Soups Miso remains central to Clearspring's identity, reflecting Dawson's expertise developed during his Japanese years. Traditional unpasteurised brown rice miso represents authentic fermented Japanese soya paste, carefully made to old family recipes and traditionally aged. The fermentation process combines organically grown whole soya beans and cereal grains with koji culture, sea salt, and water. Unpasteurised miso contains living enzymes and beneficial bacteria that pasteurisation destroys. This distinction matters for those seeking miso's traditional health benefits alongside flavour. Instant miso soups provide convenience without compromising authenticity. Hot & Spicy Miso Soup Paste with Sea Vegetables combines traditional brown rice miso with cayenne chilli, white pepper, and orange peel for those preferring heat. Tamari and Soya Sauces Clearspring's Organic Japanese Tamari Soya Sauce represents premium soy sauce for discerning cooks. Naturally fermented and aged in traditional cedarwood kegs over two summers, it's crafted from organic whole soya beans by producers with over 500 years of heritage. The Double Strength Yaemon Tamari offers intense umami for cooking applications requiring robust flavour. Single Strength Tamari suits table use and more delicate seasoning. Importantly, Clearspring tamari is dairy-free, egg-free, lactose-free, gluten-free, organic, and vegan – addressing multiple dietary requirements simultaneously. Noodles and Ramen Authentic Japanese noodles bring Asian cuisine within reach for home cooks. Soba noodles (buckwheat) and udon noodles (wheat) provide traditional options for various dishes. Organic Japanese Miso Ramen combines finest organic Japanese wheat noodles with umami-rich miso and ginger soup. Free from artificial flavours, additives, and preservatives, this 100% vegan option is ready in just 4 minutes. The convenience doesn't compromise authenticity – Clearspring sources quality ingredients and combines them thoughtfully rather than mimicking industrial instant noodles. Seaweed and Sea Vegetables Japanese cuisine relies extensively on seaweed, and Clearspring provides quality options including nori for sushi making. Sea vegetables appear throughout the range, adding minerals and umami to various products. These aren't simply interesting ingredients but nutritional powerhouses that traditional Japanese diets have valued for centuries. Umami Paste and Stock Beyond soy sauce, Clearspring offers various umami-rich products supporting flavourful cooking without artificial enhancers. These products demonstrate Japanese cuisine's sophisticated understanding of taste building. Rice Cakes, Oatcakes, and Snacks Savoury snacking options include Japanese rice crackers alongside broader organic snack ranges. These products suit those seeking interesting alternatives to conventional snacks. Wider Organic Range Beyond Japanese specialities, Clearspring offers oils, vinegars, coconut products, pasta, tahini, nut butters, grains, pulses, and more. This expansion reflects the company's broader commitment to quality organic foods rather than exclusively Japanese products. Organic and Certification Clearspring's commitment to organic production distinguishes it from brands simply importing interesting foods regardless of production methods. Organic certification provides assurance regarding agricultural practices, chemical usage, and traceability. Demeter certification (for some products) adds biodynamic agriculture standards beyond basic organic requirements. Over 300 certified organic products represent substantial investment in verified supply chains. This commitment costs more but aligns with Clearspring's founding principles of supporting sustainable agriculture. Where to Find Clearspring Clearspring products appear across various UK retail channels, though availability varies by product and location. Waitrose stocks Clearspring products including Organic Brown Rice Miso and tamari sauces. This premium supermarket's customer base aligns well with Clearspring's quality positioning. Ocado provides online access to substantial Clearspring ranges, convenient for those without nearby stockists. Products like Organic Brown Rice Miso Paste appear in their Japanese and organic categories. Sainsbury's and M&S stock some Clearspring items, though range depth varies. Larger stores generally offer better selection than convenience formats. Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic provide reliable access to Clearspring products, particularly for those seeking gluten-free tamari and unpasteurised options. Specialist food shops including Real Foods stock comprehensive ranges beyond what mainstream supermarkets carry. Amazon UK provides another online option, though checking product authenticity and seller reputation makes sense. Gluten-Free Focus Clearspring offers extensive gluten-free options addressing this significant dietary requirement. From gluten-free pasta and noodles to seasonings and snacks, the range provides meaningful variety for those avoiding gluten. All products maintain Clearspring's commitment to premium quality and minimally processed organic ingredients. Tamari (wheat-free soy sauce) particularly serves gluten-free consumers who otherwise couldn't enjoy soy sauce flavours. Clearspring's certified gluten-free tamari provides confidence for sensitive individuals. Understanding Japanese Ingredients For those new to Japanese cooking, Clearspring products enable authentic home preparation. Miso provides fermented umami depth, used in soups, marinades, dressings, and glazes. Different miso varieties (white, red, brown rice) suit different applications. Tamari functions like soy sauce but with deeper flavour and (for wheat-free versions) gluten-free status. It seasons Asian dishes and adds umami to various cooking styles. Nori wraps sushi rolls and provides crunchy garnish when crumbled. Other seaweeds add minerals and flavour to soups and stocks. Cooking with quality Japanese ingredients transforms home-prepared Asian food, making restaurant-quality results achievable. Price Considerations Clearspring products command premium pricing reflecting organic certification, traditional production methods, and quality sourcing. These aren't substitutes for supermarket soy sauce at equivalent prices – they're different products serving consumers who prioritise authenticity, organic production, and traditional methods. For those valuing these attributes, Clearspring represents good value despite higher prices. A bottle of quality tamari lasts months in regular use, spreading cost across many meals. Comparing prices across stockists makes sense, as different retailers price identical products differently. Sustainability and Ethics Clearspring's founding mission explicitly includes promoting sustainable agriculture and providing economic stability for producer communities. Supporting traditional producers maintains food heritage that industrial production often destroys. Many Clearspring products come from family businesses using methods refined across generations. Organic production reduces environmental chemical impact whilst supporting soil health. These practices cost more but align with conscious consumer values. Vegan and plant-based focus addresses both personal health and environmental concerns about animal agriculture. Conclusion From Christopher Dawson's 1970s vegetarian explorations through 18 years studying Japanese food traditions to today's 300+ organic products, Clearspring represents something more than simply another food brand. The company connects British consumers with authentic Japanese culinary heritage whilst supporting traditional producers and sustainable agriculture. Premium pricing reflects genuine quality differences – organic certification, traditional production methods, and careful curation. Whether you're seeking authentic miso for Japanese cooking, gluten-free tamari for dietary requirements, or quality organic foods aligning with your values, Clearspring offers products crafted with genuine expertise and commitment. Compare Clearspring prices across UK retailers through Grocefully and discover how authentic Japanese ingredients can transform your home cooking.