Food · Fermented foods
Kazunoko (Salt-Cured Herring Roe)
数の子 (Kazunoko)
Also known as: Kazunoko, Salt-cured herring roe, Pacific herring roe, 数の子, Shio-kazunoko
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | 数の子 |
| Common Japanese notations | 数の子, カズノコ, 塩数の子, 味付け数の子 |
| Origin | Salt-cured Pacific herring roe; the herring used is Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii — see nishin entry) historically Hokkaido but largely Russian, Canadian, USA imports for modern supply; defining Osechi New Year ceremonial element |
| Typical functions | Osechi New Year cuisine — defining auspicious element (kazunoko = many children, fertility symbolism), Premium gift retail (December Osechi gift category), Premium foodservice and gift |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. Imported origin (Russia, Canada, USA) disclosure essential. Fish allergen recommended. |
Kazunoko (数の子) is salt-cured Pacific herring roe, defining Osechi New Year ceremonial element with auspicious 'many children' fertility symbolism. December peak retail.
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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.
- Salt-cured kazunoko retail (December Osechi peak)
- Pre-flavored ajitsuke kazunoko retail (with dashi-shoyu)
- Premium Osechi-set component
Ingredient profile
Salt-cured Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) roe.
OEM applications
Osechi New Year defining element.
Premium gift retail.
Premium foodservice.
For OEM: salt-cured kazunoko production OEM, ajitsuke (pre-flavored) retail OEM.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Imported origin disclosure essential. Fish allergen recommended.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Niche specialty positioning. |
|---|---|
| USA | Niche specialty positioning. Major US Pacific herring fishery. |
| China | Niche specialty positioning. |
| Korea | Niche specialty positioning. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification of 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.
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Quick answers
- What is Kazunoko (Salt-Cured Herring Roe)?
- Kazunoko (数の子) is salt-cured Pacific herring roe, defining Osechi New Year ceremonial element with auspicious 'many children' fertility symbolism. December peak retail.
- What is the regulatory status of Kazunoko (Salt-Cured Herring Roe) in Japan?
- Standard food labeling. Imported origin (Russia, Canada, USA) disclosure essential. Fish allergen recommended.
- What products typically use Kazunoko (Salt-Cured Herring Roe)?
- Salt-cured kazunoko retail (December Osechi peak) / Pre-flavored ajitsuke kazunoko retail (with dashi-shoyu) / Premium Osechi-set component
- Where does Kazunoko (Salt-Cured Herring Roe) come from?
- Salt-cured Pacific herring roe; the herring used is Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii — see nishin entry) historically Hokkaido but largely Russian, Canadian, USA imports for modern supply; defining Osechi New Year ceremonial element
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Kazunoko (Salt-Cured Herring Roe)?
- JSCI: 数の子
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References
- Editorial — Japan kazunoko production reference
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.