Ingredient

Koji Starter

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Koji starter is used to break down starches and proteins in food, creating complex …

What is Koji Starter?

Koji starter is a culture of beneficial microorganisms, primarily the mold *Aspergillus oryzae*. It is grown on a substrate like rice, barley, or soybeans. This process is fundamental in the production of many traditional Asian fermented foods.

Is Koji Starter vegan?

Koji Starter is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Koji Starter gluten-free?

However, if it is grown on a substrate like wheat or soy, the final product may contain allergens or gluten from that substrate.

Is Koji Starter a major allergen?

Koji starter itself is not a major allergen.

What is Koji Starter used for?

Koji starter is used to break down starches and proteins in food, creating complex flavors and aromas.

Is Koji Starter safe?

Koji starter is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food.

Why it's used

Koji starter is used to break down starches and proteins in food, creating complex flavors and aromas. It acts as a natural flavor enhancer and tenderizer, adding umami and sweetness. It is commonly found in soy sauce, miso, sake, and various marinades and sauces.

Health notes

Koji starter is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. The microorganisms in koji are considered beneficial for digestion and nutrient absorption by some, though scientific consensus on specific health benefits at typical intake levels is still developing. JECFA has evaluated *Aspergillus oryzae* fermentation products and has not set a numeric limit (ADI not specified).

Allergen info

Koji starter itself is not a major allergen. However, if it is grown on a substrate like wheat or soy, the final product may contain allergens or gluten from that substrate. Always check product labels for specific allergen information.

Foods that contain Koji Starter

Compare products →
Sort by: Sugar Protein Sodium Calories
Amazon links are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. About these links
Broth, Miso Ginger Trader Joe'S Broth, Miso Ginger Other Soups High in sodium — 28% DV per serving 6kcal 0.4Protein 0Fat 0.8Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Korean BBQ Sauce & Marinade, Korean BBQ FODY Korean BBQ Sauce & Marinade, Korean BBQ Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 78kcal 3.1Protein 3.1Fat 9.4Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Honey Glaze Sauce, Honey Glaze K Pop! Foods Honey Glaze Sauce, Honey Glaze Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce 195kcal 5.3Protein 0Fat 47.4Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Hoisin Sauce Kroger Hoisin Sauce Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 176kcal 0Protein 0Fat 41.2Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Sempio, Doen Jang Seasoning Paste Sempio Sempio, Doen Jang Seasoning Paste Baking Additives & Extracts High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 217kcal 3.3Protein 1.7Fat 46.7Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Sempio, Gochu Jang Hot & Sweet Chili Sauce Sempio Sempio, Gochu Jang Hot & Sweet Chili Sauce Dips & Salsa High in sodium — 38% DV per serving 100kcal 6.7Protein 3.3Fat 10Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Black Rice & Edamame With Farro, Red Peppers And Mango In A Miso Ginger Sauce Power Blend, Black Rice & Edamame Birds Eye Black Rice & Edamame With Farro, Red Peppers And Mango In A Miso Ginger Sauce Power Blend, Black Rice & Edamame Frozen Vegetables 120kcal 3.9Protein 3.9Fat 17.3Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Sesame Sauce, Sesame Minor'S Sesame Sauce, Sesame Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 275kcal 2.5Protein 1.2Fat 65Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Spicy Gochujang Cauliflower With Brussels Sprouts, Chickpeas And Quinoa, Riced Cauliflower, Cashews And Pickled Onions, Spicy Gochujang Wildscape Spicy Gochujang Cauliflower With Brussels Sprouts, Chickpeas And Quinoa, Riced Cauliflower, Cashews And Pickled Onions, Spicy Gochujang Frozen Prepared Sides High in sodium — 36% DV per serving 106kcal 3.9Protein 2.9Fat 15.8Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Miso Ginger Salad Dressing, Miso Ginger Follow Your Heart Miso Ginger Salad Dressing, Miso Ginger Salad Dressing & Mayonnaise 267kcal 3.3Protein 23.3Fat 13.3Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Southwest Style Brisket Fried Rice, Southwest Style Brisket Open Nature Southwest Style Brisket Fried Rice, Southwest Style Brisket Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 43% DV per serving 119kcal 9.2Protein 2.6Fat 15.0Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Pork Ramen Fragrant & Silky Ramen Broth With Miso, Pork, Noodles, Mushrooms, Onions, Carrots & Ginger, Pork Ramen Simple Truth Pork Ramen Fragrant & Silky Ramen Broth With Miso, Pork, Noodles, Mushrooms, Onions, Carrots & Ginger, Pork Ramen Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 43% DV per serving 56kcal 4.4Protein 1.2Fat 7.1Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Miso Organic Broth, Miso Imagine Miso Organic Broth, Miso Other Soups High in sodium — 37% DV per serving 15kcal 0.8Protein 0.4Fat 1.7Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Spicy Szechuan Shrimp Bowl, Spicy Szechuan Good Neighbor Seafood Spicy Szechuan Shrimp Bowl, Spicy Szechuan Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 55% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 22% DV per serving 88kcal 4.2Protein 0.9Fat 16.2Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Hoisin Sauce, Hoisin Lucky Foods Hoisin Sauce, Hoisin Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 79kcal 0Protein 0Fat 47.4Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Ginger Soy Dressing & Sauce, Ginger; Soy Marzetti Ginger Soy Dressing & Sauce, Ginger; Soy Oriental, Mexican & Ethnic Sauces 161kcal 3.2Protein 14.5Fat 9.7Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Chicken Tonkotsu Ramen Noodles With Dark Meat Chicken And Vegetables In A Broth With Ground Pork, Chicken Tonkotsu P.F. Chang'S Chicken Tonkotsu Ramen Noodles With Dark Meat Chicken And Vegetables In A Broth With Ground Pork, Chicken Tonkotsu Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 61% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 167kcal 8.9Protein 8.6Fat 13.8Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Korean BBQ Style Wing Sauce, Korean BBQ Style Meijer Korean BBQ Style Wing Sauce, Korean BBQ Style Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in added sugars — 20% DV per serving 143kcal 2.9Protein 0Fat 34.3Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Buddha Bowl Chickpeas And Vegetables Served On Top Of Barley, Brown Rice, Red Rice And Red Quinoa With A Sesame Tahini Sauce Topped With Feta Cheese & Seeds Power Bowls, Buddha Bowl Healthy Choice Buddha Bowl Chickpeas And Vegetables Served On Top Of Barley, Brown Rice, Red Rice And Red Quinoa With A Sesame Tahini Sauce Topped With Feta Cheese & Seeds Power Bowls, Buddha Bowl Frozen Dinners & Entrees High in sodium — 25% DV per serving 117kcal 4.8Protein 4.0Fat 15.8Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Birds Eye Veggies and Grains Buddha Vegetable Blend, Frozen Vegetable Side, 13 OZ Box Birds Eye Birds Eye Veggies and Grains Buddha Vegetable Blend, Frozen Vegetable Side, 13 OZ Box Vegetables - Prepared/Processed High in sodium — 28% DV per serving —kcal 5.2Protein 5.2Fat 16.6Carbs
Check price on Amazon
Water (166669 products) Salt (232350 products) Soybeans (7523 products) Rice (5598 products) Sea Salt (51185 products) Sugar (183532 products) Aspergillus Oryzae (254 products) Soy Sauce (6048 products) Wheat (10335 products) Xanthan Gum (44607 products)

Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.

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.