Food · Fermented foods
Iidako (Webfoot Octopus)
いいだこ (Iidako)
Also known as: Iidako, Webfoot octopus, Octopus ocellatus, 飯蛸
Looking for a Japanese supplier of Iidako (Webfoot Octopus)? Tell usAt a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | いいだこ |
| Common Japanese notations | いいだこ, 飯蛸, イイダコ |
| Origin | Webfoot octopus (Octopus ocellatus); small octopus species harvested in Japanese coastal waters; spring season for the egg-bearing 'iidako' premium |
| Typical functions | Iidako-no-nimono (whole simmered iidako with eggs visible) — distinctive spring preparation, Premium foodservice and izakaya specialty |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard 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.
Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Pre-cooked iidako-no-nimono retail
- Frozen iidako
What it is
Octopus ocellatus webfoot octopus, small species.
Typical uses in Japanese products
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
| EU | Niche specialty positioning. Mollusc allergen mandatory. |
|---|---|
| USA | Niche specialty positioning. Mollusc allergen labeling. |
| China | Niche specialty positioning. |
| Korea | Korea has its own jukkumi (주꾸미) octopus tradition (different species). |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification.
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Sharing similar functions
Ingredients that overlap on functional benefit tags.
From the same origin
Other ingredients that share an origin classification.
References
- MEXT 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.