Food · Sweeteners

Zarame-tou (Coarse Crystal Sugar)

ざらめ糖 (Zarame-tou)

Also known as: Zarame-tou, Coarse crystal sugar, ざらめ糖, 中ざら糖, 白ざら糖, Granulated coarse

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameざらめ糖 中ざら糖 / 白ざら糖
Common Japanese notationsざらめ糖, 中ざら糖, 白ざら糖, ザラメ
OriginCoarse crystal sugar in two main forms: naka-zara (medium-grain, slightly amber color from caramelization) and shiro-zara (white-grain, fully refined); principal Japanese producers Mitsui Sugar, DM Sankyo Sugar; large crystal size suited to specific traditional applications
Typical functionsWagashi (Japanese confectionery) — defining for higashi pressed sweets and dorayaki sugar dusting, Karinto (traditional Japanese fried snack) glazing, Coffee/tea premium positioning (visible large crystals)
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. JAS sugar classification (車糖 distinct from ざらめ class). Not a designated allergen.

Zarame-tou (ざらめ糖) is coarse crystal sugar in two forms: naka-zara (medium-grain amber from caramelization) and shiro-zara (white-grain fully refined). Defining sugar for wagashi confectionery (higashi, dorayaki dusting) and traditional karinto glazing.

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Classification

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Product applications

Functions

Regulatory tags

Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Naka-zara retail (cooking and confectionery)
  • Shiro-zara retail (premium positioning)
  • Industrial supply for confectionery production

Ingredient profile

Coarse crystal sugar — naka-zara (medium amber) and shiro-zara (white refined).

OEM applications

Wagashi confectionery (higashi, dorayaki).

Karinto glazing.

Premium coffee/tea visible crystal positioning.

For OEM: industrial confectionery supply, premium retail OEM.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. JAS sugar classification. Not a designated allergen.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUEstablished global crystal sugar market.
USAEstablished US sugar market (different classifications).
ChinaEstablished trade.
KoreaEstablished 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

Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.

Quick answers

What is Zarame-tou (Coarse Crystal Sugar)?
Zarame-tou (ざらめ糖) is coarse crystal sugar in two forms: naka-zara (medium-grain amber from caramelization) and shiro-zara (white-grain fully refined). Defining sugar for wagashi confectionery (higashi, dorayaki dusting) and traditional karinto glazing.
What is the regulatory status of Zarame-tou (Coarse Crystal Sugar) in Japan?
Standard food labeling. JAS sugar classification (車糖 distinct from ざらめ class). Not a designated allergen.
What products typically use Zarame-tou (Coarse Crystal Sugar)?
Naka-zara retail (cooking and confectionery) / Shiro-zara retail (premium positioning) / Industrial supply for confectionery production
Where does Zarame-tou (Coarse Crystal Sugar) come from?
Coarse crystal sugar in two main forms: naka-zara (medium-grain, slightly amber color from caramelization) and shiro-zara (white-grain, fully refined); principal Japanese producers Mitsui Sugar, DM Sankyo Sugar; large crystal size suited to specific traditional applications
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Zarame-tou (Coarse Crystal Sugar)?
JSCI: ざらめ糖 中ざら糖 / 白ざら糖

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References

  1. 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — ざらめ糖 中ざら糖/白ざら糖

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

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