Food · Fermented foods

Iriko (Small Dried Sardine for Dashi)

いりこ (Iriko)

Also known as: Iriko, Small dried sardine, Niboshi (broader name), いりこ, 煎り子

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameいりこ
Common Japanese notationsいりこ, 煎り子, イリコ
OriginSmall dried sardines/anchovies prepared by boiling-then-drying; the Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) regional name 'iriko' overlaps with the more general 'niboshi' (with niboshi being the broader category and iriko being the specifically Setouchi tradition for udon-dashi); principal Kagawa Iriko-no-Sato heritage area
Typical functionsUdon dashi production (defining Sanuki udon dashi raw material), Premium home dashi and miso soup
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. Setouchi/Kagawa regional positioning. Fish allergen recommended.

Iriko (いりこ) is small dried sardine for dashi — the Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) regional name overlapping with niboshi. Defining raw material for Sanuki udon dashi. Kagawa heritage.

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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.

  • Dried iriko retail packs (Setouchi and Kagawa origin)

Ingredient profile

Small dried sardines/anchovies, Setouchi tradition.

OEM applications

Sanuki udon dashi.

Home dashi.

For OEM: dried iriko retail.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Setouchi regional positioning. Fish allergen recommended.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty in Japanese-cuisine channels.
USANiche specialty positioning.
ChinaEstablished trade.
KoreaKorea has its own myeolchi tradition (similar).

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after verification of Setouchi origin.

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Alternative ingredients

Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.

Quick answers

What is Iriko (Small Dried Sardine for Dashi)?
Iriko (いりこ) is small dried sardine for dashi — the Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) regional name overlapping with niboshi. Defining raw material for Sanuki udon dashi. Kagawa heritage.
What is the regulatory status of Iriko (Small Dried Sardine for Dashi) in Japan?
Standard food labeling. Setouchi/Kagawa regional positioning. Fish allergen recommended.
What products typically use Iriko (Small Dried Sardine for Dashi)?
Dried iriko retail packs (Setouchi and Kagawa origin)
Where does Iriko (Small Dried Sardine for Dashi) come from?
Small dried sardines/anchovies prepared by boiling-then-drying; the Setouchi (Seto Inland Sea) regional name 'iriko' overlaps with the more general 'niboshi' (with niboshi being the broader category and iriko being the specifically Setouchi tradition for udon-dashi); principal Kagawa Iriko-no-Sato heritage area
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Iriko (Small Dried Sardine for Dashi)?
JSCI: いりこ

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References

  1. Editorial — Setouchi Iriko production reference

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

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