Why source from Japan
Okinawan land-based saline tank cultivation produces year-round consistent quality; only origin with established export-grade cold-chain.
Key spec
Iodine 0.05-0.15% dry weight; minerals (Mg, Ca, Fe) elevated; vitamin C 5-15 mg/100g fresh.
Typical end-product
Premium sashimi / salad garnish in Asian fine-dining; longevity-positioned supplements (freeze-dried).
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 3 suppliers
- Typical MOQ
- 50–200 packs (50–100g each); 5–25 kg bulk fresh / freeze-dried
- Typical lead time
- 1–3 weeks (fresh); 4–8 weeks (freeze-dried / processed)
- Regions of origin
- Okinawa (Onna, Itoman, Kume Island)
- Category
- Okinawan longevity ingredients
- Harvest season
- Year-round (cultivated in shallow saline tanks)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; saline shipping requirements
- Japanese name
- 海ぶどう
- Romaji
- Umibudō
About this ingredient
Edible green algae from Okinawan and Southeast Asian waters, characterised by its distinctive 'caviar of the sea' bubble texture from saline-filled vesicles. Okinawan production is concentrated in Onna, Itoman, and Kume Island. Live shipping in saline solution is standard for premium grades; freeze-dried and lightly-salted formats serve export markets. Marketed for export within Okinawa-longevity supplements positioning and as a luxury salad / sashimi garnish in upscale Asian and Western fine-dining.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; saline shipping requirements |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; novel-food check required for non-pre-1997 EU consumption |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; cold-chain documentation |
| China | Imported fresh seaweed; GACC + AQSIQ inspection regime |
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
Umibudō (Sea Grapes) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Okinawa Ukon (Turmeric)
沖縄ウコン
Curcuma longa (aki-ukon) / Curcuma aromatica (haru-ukon) / Curcuma zedoaria (murasaki-ukon) source; FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 1-100 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Goya (Bitter Melon)
ゴーヤ
Momordica charantia source; INCI Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1-100 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Beni Imo (Okinawan Purple Sweet Potato)
紅芋
Ipomoea batatas source; INCI Ipomoea Batatas Root Extract; MOQ from 1-10 kg (powder); 10+ kg (paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
JA Okinawa
JA おきなわ
Naha (HQ), Ogimi (branch), OkinawaExport experienceOkinawa-grown sea grapes (Onna / Itoman)
Kanehide Bio Co., Ltd.
金秀バイオ株式会社
Tomigusuku, OkinawaEnglish supportExport experienceISO22000Japan Health Food GMPFreeze-dried sea grapes
Sweet Foods Kumejima Co., Ltd.
株式会社スイートフーズ久米島
Kumejima, OkinawaKume Island umibudo cultivation
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Last updated: 2026-05-04