Food · Fermented foods

Amaebi (Sweet Shrimp / Northern Pink Shrimp)

あまえび (Amaebi)

Also known as: Amaebi, Sweet shrimp, Northern pink shrimp, Pandalus eous, 甘えび, Hokkokuaka-ebi

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameあまえび
Common Japanese notationsあまえび, 甘えび, ホッコクアカエビ
OriginNorthern pink shrimp (Pandalus eous); harvested principally Sea of Japan and Hokkaido waters; principal Japanese landing regions Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Hokkaido; significant imports from Russia, Greenland, Canada
Typical functionsPremium sushi/sashimi topping — defining sweet-flavor shrimp sushi, Foodservice and home preparation, Premium gift retail (Hokkaido and Sea of Japan coast)
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. Crustacean allergen (mandatory disclosure under JAS). Domestic vs imported origin disclosure essential.

Amaebi (あまえび / 甘えび) — northern pink shrimp (Pandalus eous) — is a premium Japanese sushi/sashimi shrimp distinguished by its sweet flavor (giving the name 'sweet shrimp'). Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Hokkaido lead domestic landings; significant imports from Russia, Greenland, Canada. **Crustacean is JAS-mandatory allergen** requiring disclosure.

Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Used in (typical product categories)

Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.

  • Fresh and frozen amaebi retail
  • Pre-shelled amaebi for sushi production

What it is

Pandalus eous northern pink shrimp.

Typical uses in Japanese products

Premium sushi/sashimi topping.

Foodservice and home use.

Premium Hokkaido and Sea of Japan gift retail.

For OEM: fresh and frozen amaebi retail, sushi-grade pre-shelled supply.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. **Crustacean is JAS-mandatory allergen.** Domestic vs imported origin essential.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUEstablished global northern pink shrimp trade. Crustacean allergen mandatory.
USAEstablished US shrimp market. Crustacean allergen mandatory.
ChinaEstablished global trade.
KoreaEstablished Korean shrimp market.

Example products

Example finished products will be added after verification of origin and product format.

All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

Related ingredients

References

  1. MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — あまえび

Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

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