Food · Fermented foods
Ma-iwashi (Japanese Sardine)
まいわし (Ma-iwashi)
Also known as: Ma-iwashi, Japanese sardine, Sardinops melanostictus, 真鰯
Looking for a Japanese supplier of Ma-iwashi (Japanese Sardine)? Tell usAt a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | まいわし |
| Common Japanese notations | まいわし, 真鰯, マイワシ |
| Origin | Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus); pelagic schooling fish; principal landings Chiba (Choshi), Ibaraki, Hokkaido, Mie; cyclical population swings characterize this species |
| Typical functions | Volume retail sashimi and shioyaki, Maru-boshi (whole-dried) and mezashi (skewer-dried) retail, Iwashi-no-tsumire (sardine fish-balls) processed-food, Iwashi-bushi (dried sardine for dashi), Functional positioning (high DHA/EPA omega-3) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. Fish allergen recommended. |
Ma-iwashi (まいわし / 真鰯) — Japanese sardine (Sardinops melanostictus) — is a volume pelagic fish for sashimi/shioyaki, traditional dried products (maru-boshi, mezashi), processed-food applications (iwashi-no-tsumire, canned products), and functional DHA/EPA positioning.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Fresh and frozen ma-iwashi retail
- Maru-boshi and mezashi traditional retail
- Pre-prepared shime-iwashi (vinegared)
- Iwashi canned products
What it is
Sardinops melanostictus Japanese sardine.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Volume sashimi/shioyaki.
Maru-boshi, mezashi traditional dried.
Iwashi-no-tsumire and canned products.
Iwashi-bushi for dashi.
DHA/EPA functional positioning.
For OEM: dried iwashi retail, canned products OEM, fish-ball production.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Fish allergen recommended.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Major established global sardine trade. |
|---|---|
| USA | Established US sardine market. |
| China | Major global trade. |
| Korea | Established trade. |
Example products
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.
Related ingredients
Explore related ingredients
Used in similar product applications
Other ingredients commonly used in the same finished-product families.
Abura-age (Fried Thin Tofu)
油揚げ
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Agemaki (Jackknife Clam)
あげまき
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ago Dashi (Flying Fish Stock)
あごだし
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ahiru-niku (Domestic Duck)
あひる 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Aigamo-niku (Hybrid Duck)
かも あいがも 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
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 — まいわし 各形態
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.