【Non-Alcoholic】Koji Amazake

This is a non-alcoholic amazake made from rice koji produced during the sake brewing process.

The spout-equipped stand-up pouch is designed for easy handling, whether frozen, refrigerated, or heated. For example, in summer, you can freeze it and use it as a cooling pack for lunch boxes or takeout. In winter, simply warm it in hot water to enjoy hot amazake. This lightweight, unbreakable container is convenient for all ages and perfect for hiking, glamping, or as a nutritional boost during sports activities.

The container features an original character called “Kōji Daruma”, inspired by kōji mold, though it may look like a snowman at first glance. We hope you’ll come to recognize and love it!

【How to Enjoy】

Please store it below 10°C.

You can enjoy it chilled as is, on the rocks, or warmed by mixing it with an equal amount of hot water. We also recommend pairing it with soy milk in a half-and-half ratio.

Additionally, you can mix it with sparkling water (with a touch of lemon) or create delicious cocktails by blending it with sake or kasutori shochu.

【Japan Has Two Types of Amazake】

The name “amazake” refers to two distinct types of beverages, each with unique flavors, textures, and nutritional components.

1. Sake Lees Amazake (酒粕甘酒)

This type is made by dissolving sake lees (酒粕), a byproduct of freshly pressed sake, in hot water. Sugar and grated ginger are often added, making it a classic winter drink. Rich in proteins, B vitamins (B1, B2, folic acid, pantothenic acid), and dietary fiber, this amazake is packed with nutrients. However, since it is derived from sake lees, it may contain residual alcohol.

2. Rice Malt Amazake (米麹甘酒)

Also called kōji amazake or amazake, this version is made by fermenting steamed rice with kōji mold, which breaks down starches into natural sugars. Unlike sake lees amazake, it has a gentle, natural sweetness without added sugar, thanks to its glucose content. Often referred to as a “drinkable IV drip”, it is an energy-boosting beverage rich in essential amino acids, B vitamins, dietary fiber, and oligosaccharides.

Historically, rice malt amazake was sold in the Edo period as a summer tonic to prevent heat fatigue, even appearing in haiku as a seasonal word for summer.

Key Difference: Alcohol Content

Both types of amazake are highly nutritious, but sake lees amazake may contain alcohol, while rice malt amazake is completely non-alcoholic.

What is “Kōji” (麹・糀) Anyway?

For centuries, Japan has been using kōji mold (麹菌 / Kōji-Kin)—also known as Kōji-Kabi—to produce a variety of fermented foods and beverages, including sake, amazake, miso, soy sauce, mirin, shochu, vinegar, pickles, and other traditional foods.

The Role of Kōji Mold

Kōji mold has the unique ability to produce enzymes necessary for fermentation. These enzymes help break down ingredients, unlocking flavors and nutrients. However, large amounts of enzymes are required for fermentation, so to obtain them efficiently, grains like rice or barley are cultivated with Kōji mold. The result is what we call “kōji” (麹 / 糀), and the process of making it is known as “kōji-making” (麹作り).

Enzymes and Their Effects

One of the most well-known enzymes produced by Kōji mold is amylase, a starch-breaking enzyme that converts starch into glucose (grape sugar). The natural sweetness of rice malt amazake (糀甘酒) comes from this enzymatic saccharification process.

Interestingly, this process is similar to what happens in the human mouth—when you chew rice thoroughly, your saliva’s enzymes break down the starch, gradually making it taste sweeter.

The Charm of Kōji-based Amazake

Kōji-derived natural sweetness, umami, and nutritional benefits make rice malt amazake an enjoyable and accessible beverage for everyone.

(Photo: From left to right – Polished white rice, Kōji mold, and the finished rice kōji.)

• Ingredients

  Rice koji

• Capacity

  250ｇ

• Storage Instructions

  Please store in a cool place, ideally below 10°C.（Expiration Date: 90 days from the date of manufacture.）

• yen (excl. tax)

  Online Shop