Food · Fermented foods
Hoya (Sea Pineapple)
ほや (Hoya)
Also known as: Hoya, Sea pineapple, Halocynthia roretzi, 海鞘
Looking for a Japanese supplier of Hoya (Sea Pineapple)? Tell usAt a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | ほや |
| Common Japanese notations | ほや, 海鞘, ホヤ |
| Origin | Sea pineapple (Halocynthia roretzi); cultivated in Tohoku coastal waters; principal modern production region Miyagi (Sanriku heritage area); spring-summer season |
| Typical functions | Tohoku regional cuisine specialty — distinctive iodine-mineral umami flavor, Premium izakaya appetizer |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. Miyagi Sanriku regional brand. Not a designated allergen. |
Hoya (ほや / 海鞘) — sea pineapple (Halocynthia roretzi) — is a distinctive Tohoku regional marine invertebrate (technically a tunicate, not a mollusc) with characteristic iodine-mineral umami flavor. Miyagi Sanriku is the heritage area.
Find OEM manufacturers
Browse Japanese OEM manufacturers that build products in this category. Filter by small lot, certifications, prefecture.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Fresh hoya (Sanriku Miyagi seasonal)
- Frozen hoya
Ingredient profile
Halocynthia roretzi sea pineapple, tunicate species.
OEM applications
Tohoku izakaya specialty appetizer.
Sashimi/sunomono.
For OEM: regional Tohoku retail and foodservice.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Miyagi Sanriku regional brand. Not a designated allergen.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Niche specialty positioning. |
|---|---|
| USA | Niche specialty positioning. |
| China | Niche specialty positioning. |
| Korea | Korea has its own meongge tradition. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification of Miyagi Sanriku origin.
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.
Quick answers
- What is Hoya (Sea Pineapple)?
- Hoya (ほや / 海鞘) — sea pineapple (Halocynthia roretzi) — is a distinctive Tohoku regional marine invertebrate (technically a tunicate, not a mollusc) with characteristic iodine-mineral umami flavor. Miyagi Sanriku is the heritage area.
- What is the regulatory status of Hoya (Sea Pineapple) in Japan?
- Standard food labeling. Miyagi Sanriku regional brand. Not a designated allergen.
- What products typically use Hoya (Sea Pineapple)?
- Fresh hoya (Sanriku Miyagi seasonal) / Frozen hoya
- Where does Hoya (Sea Pineapple) come from?
- Sea pineapple (Halocynthia roretzi); cultivated in Tohoku coastal waters; principal modern production region Miyagi (Sanriku heritage area); spring-summer season
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Hoya (Sea Pineapple)?
- JSCI: ほや
Related ingredients — substitutes, pairings, processing chain
Often used with
Ingredients frequently paired in the same recipe or formulation.
Same category
Other ingredients in the same sub-category.
Explore related ingredients
Used in similar product applications
Other ingredients commonly used in the same finished-product families.
Abura-age (Fried Thin Tofu)
油揚げ
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Agemaki (Jackknife Clam)
あげまき
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ago Dashi (Flying Fish Stock)
あごだし
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ahiru-niku (Domestic Duck)
あひる 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Aigamo-niku (Hybrid Duck)
かも あいがも 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Sharing similar functions
Ingredients that overlap on functional benefit tags.
From the same origin
Other ingredients that share an origin classification.
Related guides & how-to
Related case studies
Regulatory guidance
Take the next step
Search the academic literature
Pre-filled queries for the major research databases. Opens in a new tab.
Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — ほや
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.