Food · Fermented foods
Ikura (Salmon Roe)
いくら (Ikura)
Also known as: Ikura, Salmon roe, Salmon caviar, イクラ
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | いくら |
| Common Japanese notations | いくら, イクラ |
| Origin | Salt-cured or soy-marinated salmon roe (chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta principal source); principal Japanese landings Hokkaido domestic and significant Russian, Alaskan imports; ikura-no-shoyu-zuke (soy-marinated) is the major retail format vs. shio-ikura (salt-cured) |
| Typical functions | Premium sushi topping — defining premium gunkan-maki, Ikura-don (salmon roe rice bowl) Hokkaido tourism specialty, Premium gift retail (Hokkaido), Osechi New Year cuisine |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. **Salmon is JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.** Hokkaido domestic vs imported origin disclosure essential. |
Ikura (いくら) is salt-cured or soy-marinated salmon roe — defining premium sushi topping (gunkan-maki) and Hokkaido ikura-don tourism signature. Hokkaido domestic origin is premium positioning.
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Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Frozen ikura-no-shoyu-zuke retail (sushi-grade premium)
- Premium Hokkaido gift retail
- Bulk ingredient supply for sushi and foodservice
Ingredient profile
Salmon roe, salt-cured (shio-ikura) or soy-marinated (shoyu-ikura).
OEM applications
Premium sushi gunkan-maki.
Ikura-don Hokkaido.
Osechi New Year cuisine.
Premium gift retail.
For OEM: ikura-no-shoyu-zuke production OEM, premium Hokkaido gift retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Salmon allergen recommended. Origin disclosure essential.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Established global salmon roe market. |
|---|---|
| USA | Established US sushi roe market. |
| China | Established premium specialty. |
| Korea | Established Korean trade. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification.
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.
Alternative ingredients
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Quick answers
- What is Ikura (Salmon Roe)?
- Ikura (いくら) is salt-cured or soy-marinated salmon roe — defining premium sushi topping (gunkan-maki) and Hokkaido ikura-don tourism signature. Hokkaido domestic origin is premium positioning.
- What is the regulatory status of Ikura (Salmon Roe) in Japan?
- Standard food labeling. **Salmon is JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.** Hokkaido domestic vs imported origin disclosure essential.
- What products typically use Ikura (Salmon Roe)?
- Frozen ikura-no-shoyu-zuke retail (sushi-grade premium) / Premium Hokkaido gift retail / Bulk ingredient supply for sushi and foodservice
- Where does Ikura (Salmon Roe) come from?
- Salt-cured or soy-marinated salmon roe (chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta principal source); principal Japanese landings Hokkaido domestic and significant Russian, Alaskan imports; ikura-no-shoyu-zuke (soy-marinated) is the major retail format vs. shio-ikura (salt-cured)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Ikura (Salmon Roe)?
- JSCI: いくら
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Sharing similar functions
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From the same origin
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Manufacturers mentioning this ingredient
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References
- Editorial — Japan ikura production reference
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.