Niigata Koshihikari (Premium Rice GI)
新潟コシヒカリ (新潟コシヒカリ)
Why source from Japan
Niigata Uonuma Koshihikari and Iwafune Koshihikari are MAFF GI-protected; Niigata Koshihikari brand is recognised globally as the reference Japanese rice.
Key spec
Amylose 18-20% (vs typical 17-22%); protein 6-7%; characteristic glossy cooked texture; Brix-equivalent eating quality 80+ (Niigata Cooperative tasting score).
Typical end-product
Premium retail rice for export, fine-dining sushi-rice supply, gift-economy boxes.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 100 kg polished; 10–50 kg specialty grades
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Niigata (Uonuma GI, Iwafune, Sado, regional sub-brands)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- September – October
- Japan regulatory status
- Niigata Koshihikari (general); Uonuma Koshihikari MAFF GI; Iwafune Koshihikari MAFF GI
- Japanese name
- 新潟コシヒカリ
- Romaji
- 新潟コシヒカリ
About this ingredient
Premium Japanese rice cultivar (Koshihikari) cultivated in Niigata Prefecture under MAFF GI-protected designation. Niigata produces ~30% of Japan's Koshihikari by volume, with sub-regional brands (Uonuma, Iwafune, Sado) commanding premium pricing tiers. Distinguished by sticky, sweet, glossy cooked-rice texture and characteristic chewiness. Substantial export to Asian premium retail and increasingly fine-dining export. Distinct from existing 'mochigome' (glutinous rice) and 'premium-rice' trend entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Niigata Koshihikari (general); Uonuma Koshihikari MAFF GI; Iwafune Koshihikari MAFF GI |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; GI under EU-Japan EPA |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; rice-import allowed (low arsenic limit) |
| China | GACC food facility registration; arsenic compliance |
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
Niigata Koshihikari (Premium Rice GI) 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
Niigata Koshihikari (Premium Rice GI) 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
Disclaimer
Japan Ingredient Sourcing Platform introduces overseas buyers to Japanese ingredient manufacturers. The platform is an information service only and is not a party to any purchase, supply, or manufacturing contract between buyer and seller.
Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
The platform operator is not licensed to provide legal, regulatory, customs, tax, or professional advice. References to third-party companies, products, certifications, trademarks, and geographical indications (GI) are factual and do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Last updated: 2026-05-05