Why source from Japan
2,000+ year cultivation; Iwate and Okayama maintain heritage cultivars and the kibi-dango confectionery tradition.
Key spec
Protein 12-13%; iron elevated vs white rice; gluten-free; characteristic golden-yellow colour.
Typical end-product
Kibi-dango premium confectionery, gluten-free baking flour, gokoku ancient-grain blends.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 10–50 kg dehulled; 5–25 kg flour
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Iwate, Nagano, Hokkaido, Okayama (kibi-dango)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- August – September
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; gluten-free; regional ceremonial use
- Japanese name
- 黍
- Romaji
- 黍
About this ingredient
Ancient grain (Panicum miliaceum, proso millet) cultivated in Japan for over 2,000 years. Commercial production is concentrated in Iwate, Nagano, and Hokkaido, with traditional ceremonial use in Okayama (where 'kibi-dango' confectionery is the regional gift staple). Functional positioning targets the gluten-free, high-protein, high-iron profile. Distinct from awa (foxtail millet) and hie (barnyard millet) — Japan's traditional 'gokoku' (five grains) trio.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; gluten-free; regional ceremonial use |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; gluten-free claim per EU rules |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; gluten-free claim per FDA rule |
| China | GACC food facility registration |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Kibi (Proso Millet) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Easier China regulatory path
Kibi (Proso Millet) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Hakubaku Co., Ltd.
株式会社はくばく
Fujikawa, YamanashiEst. 1941English supportExport experienceGokoku ancient-grain blends
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Last updated: 2026-05-05