Food · Fermented foods

Iidako (Webfoot Octopus)

いいだこ (Iidako)

Also known as: Iidako, Webfoot octopus, Octopus ocellatus, 飯蛸

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameいいだこ
Common Japanese notationsいいだこ, 飯蛸, イイダコ
OriginWebfoot octopus (Octopus ocellatus); small octopus species harvested in Japanese coastal waters; spring season for the egg-bearing 'iidako' premium
Typical functionsIidako-no-nimono (whole simmered iidako with eggs visible) — distinctive spring preparation, Premium foodservice and izakaya specialty
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. Mollusc allergen recommended disclosure.

Iidako (いいだこ / 飯蛸) is a small octopus species (Octopus ocellatus) with distinctive culinary application — the spring-harvested egg-bearing iidako is simmered whole, with the rice-grain-like eggs ('ii' = rice in old Japanese, hence the name) visible inside. Premium foodservice and izakaya specialty.

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Classification

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Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Pre-cooked iidako-no-nimono retail
  • Frozen iidako

Ingredient profile

Octopus ocellatus webfoot octopus, small species.

OEM applications

Iidako-no-nimono (whole simmered with visible eggs).

Premium foodservice and izakaya.

For OEM: pre-cooked iidako-no-nimono retail, foodservice supply.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Mollusc allergen recommended disclosure.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty positioning. Mollusc allergen mandatory.
USANiche specialty positioning. Mollusc allergen labeling.
ChinaNiche specialty positioning.
KoreaKorea has its own jukkumi (주꾸미) octopus tradition (different species).

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after verification.

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Quick answers

What is Iidako (Webfoot Octopus)?
Iidako (いいだこ / 飯蛸) is a small octopus species (Octopus ocellatus) with distinctive culinary application — the spring-harvested egg-bearing iidako is simmered whole, with the rice-grain-like eggs ('ii' = rice in old Japanese, hence the name) visible inside. Premium foodservice and izakaya specialty.
What is the regulatory status of Iidako (Webfoot Octopus) in Japan?
Standard food labeling. Mollusc allergen recommended disclosure.
What products typically use Iidako (Webfoot Octopus)?
Pre-cooked iidako-no-nimono retail / Frozen iidako
Where does Iidako (Webfoot Octopus) come from?
Webfoot octopus (Octopus ocellatus); small octopus species harvested in Japanese coastal waters; spring season for the egg-bearing 'iidako' premium
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Iidako (Webfoot Octopus)?
JSCI: いいだこ

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References

  1. 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — いいだこ

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

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