Food · Fermented foods
Mentaiko (Spicy Cod Roe)
明太子 (Mentaiko)
Also known as: Mentaiko, Spicy cod roe, Karashi mentaiko, 明太子, 辛子明太子, Hakata mentaiko
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| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | 明太子 |
| Common Japanese notations | 明太子, 辛子明太子, Mentaiko |
| Origin | Chili-cured Alaska pollock roe (suketo-dara — see suketo-dara entry); principal modern production region Fukuoka Hakata (heritage area, with Fukuya as the originator since 1949); principal Hakata producers Fukuya, Kanefuku, Yamaya, Hakatara |
| Typical functions | Premium gift retail — Hakata Mentaiko is iconic regional gift category, Mentaiko-pasta foodservice signature (fusion-Japanese pasta), Mentaiko onigiri filling and rice topping, Mentai-jaga (mentaiko potato dish) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. Hakata Mentaiko regional brand. **Fish allergen (cod roe) recommended disclosure.** Coloring and additives disclosure (some products use food coloring). |
Mentaiko (明太子 / 辛子明太子) is chili-cured Alaska pollock roe — defining Hakata (Fukuoka) regional gift specialty. Fukuya invented modern mentaiko in 1949. Major producers Fukuya, Kanefuku, Yamaya. Iconic mentaiko-pasta fusion application.
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.
- Premium Hakata Mentaiko gift retail (Fukuya, Kanefuku flagship)
- Foodservice mentaiko ingredient
- Mentaiko sauce/paste retail (Yamaya Mentaiko-no-Tare)
What it is
Chili-cured Alaska pollock (suketo-dara) roe.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Premium Hakata gift retail.
Mentaiko-pasta fusion foodservice.
Onigiri filling and rice topping.
Mentai-jaga.
For OEM: Hakata Mentaiko production OEM, premium gift retail.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Hakata regional brand. Fish allergen recommended. Coloring disclosure.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Niche specialty in Japanese-cuisine channels. |
|---|---|
| USA | Established US specialty Japanese-cuisine retail. |
| China | Premium specialty positioning. |
| Korea | Korea has its own myeongnan (명란) tradition (slightly different style). |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification of Hakata producer.
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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Sharing similar functions
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From the same origin
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References
- Fukuya Mentaiko heritage documentation
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.