Ingredient

Bonito

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Bonito flakes are primarily used to add a savory, umami flavor to foods. They …

What it is

Bonito is a type of fish, specifically a saltwater tuna species. It is often dried, smoked, and fermented to create katsuobushi, a staple ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Katsuobushi is typically shaved into thin flakes for use in broths and as a topping.

Why it's used

Bonito flakes are primarily used to add a savory, umami flavor to foods. They are a key ingredient in dashi, a fundamental Japanese soup stock. Bonito is also used as a flavoring in snacks, sauces, and noodle dishes.

Health notes

Bonito is a food ingredient and is not subject to FDA additive regulations. As a fish, it is a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated bonito and related fish products, but has not set a numeric acceptable daily intake (ADI).

Allergen info

Bonito is a fish, which is one of the 9 major allergens recognized by the FDA. Consumers with a fish allergy should avoid products containing bonito.

Products containing Bonito

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AZUMA NATTO Frozen Soy Bean Frozen Vegetables 112kcal 2.5Protein 3.8Fat 7.5Carbs KAYANOYA Original Dashi Stock Powder, Original Canned Soup 312kcal 37.5Protein 1.2Fat 37.5Carbs Tuna Noodle Casserole H.J. Heinz Company Tuna Noodle Casserole Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 25% DV per serving 106kcal 5.5Protein 1.4Fat 18.0Carbs Goya Foods, Inc. Goya, Bonito, In Tomato Sauce Canned Seafood 327kcal 23.6Protein 25.4Fat 0Carbs Myojo Foods Of America Inc. Japanese Style Cold Noodles, Sesame Flavored Sauce With Mustard Pizza Mixes & Other Dry Dinners High in sodium — 61% DV per serving 329kcal 7.9Protein 4.3Fat 65Carbs World Finer Foods, Inc. Oyster Sauce Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 94kcal 0Protein 0Fat 18.8Carbs Kikkoman, Instant Tofu Miso Soup Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc. Kikkoman, Instant Tofu Miso Soup Other Soups 350kcal 30Protein 10Fat 30Carbs Mutual Trading Co., Inc. Vegetable Mix Furikake Herbs & Spices 375kcal 25Protein 25Fat 25Carbs Yamasa Enterprises Inc. Steamed Fish Cake,Ready To Eat Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 31% DV per serving 109kcal 9.1Protein 0Fat 16.4Carbs Yamasa Enterprises Inc. Gobo Tenpura Fried Fish Cake With Burdock Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 32% DV per serving 145kcal 7.3Protein 2.7Fat 21.8Carbs Yamasa Enterprises Inc. Yasai Tenpura Fried Fish Cake With Vegetables Fish & Seafood High in sodium — 31% DV per serving 145kcal 9.1Protein 2.7Fat 21.8Carbs Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc. Soybean Paste Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces High in sodium — 36% DV per serving 167kcal 11.1Protein 5.6Fat 16.7Carbs
Salt (43 products) Sugar (31 products) Water (25 products) Wheat (25 products) Monosodium Glutamate (17 products) Disodium Inosinate (17 products) Soy Sauce (17 products) Soybeans (17 products) Yeast Extract (16 products) Disodium Guanylate (15 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.