Ingredient

Kombu Seaweed

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Kombu is used to add a savory, umami flavor to foods, particularly in broths …

What it is

Kombu is a type of edible kelp, a large brown seaweed that grows in the ocean. It is commonly harvested from the wild or cultivated in specific regions. Kombu is typically dried for preservation and easier transport.

Why it's used

Kombu is used to add a savory, umami flavor to foods, particularly in broths and soups. It contains glutamates, which contribute to this rich taste. It is a key ingredient in Japanese dashi, a fundamental soup stock.

Health notes

Kombu is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a natural source of iodine, which is essential for thyroid function. However, excessive intake of iodine from sources like kombu can potentially lead to thyroid dysfunction. JECFA has evaluated kombu and noted its iodine content.

Allergen info

Kombu is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.

Products containing Kombu Seaweed

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Kellogg Company US Morningstar Farms Organic - Other Garden 7.9oz Vegetable Based Products / Meals - Not Ready to Eat (Frozen) 197kcal 9.6Protein 12.2Fat 16.9Carbs Blount Seafood Corporation Panera Bread, Organic Vegetarian Chili Chili & Stew High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 53kcal 2.5Protein 0.8Fat 9.0Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Garlic Cooking Sauce, Lemon Other Cooking Sauces 106kcal 0.9Protein 8.8Fat 6.2Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Tuscan Style Vegetable Soup Other Soups 49kcal 1.6Protein 1.6Fat 6.9Carbs Finlay Extracts & Ingredients USA, Inc. Tuscan Style Bean & Vegetable Organic Cannellini Beans And Red Bell Peppers In A Tomato-Based Broth With Select Spices Soup, Tuscan Style Bean & Vegetable Other Soups 49kcal 1.6Protein 1.6Fat 6.9Carbs Blount Seafood Corporation Organic Vegetarian Chili Other Soups High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 53kcal 2.5Protein 0.8Fat 9.0Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Ancient Grain Minestrone Other Soups High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 53kcal 2.0Protein 0.6Fat 10.6Carbs Blount Seafood Corporation Organic Vegetarian Chili Chili & Stew High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 57kcal 2.9Protein 0.8Fat 9.8Carbs Bel-Isle Inc. Vegetarian Vegetable Ramen Soup Other Soups High in sodium — 34% DV per serving 370kcal 14.8Protein 4.6Fat 68.5Carbs Yuzu Organic Ponzu Tangy Savory Sauce Bison Gear and Engineering Yuzu Organic Ponzu Tangy Savory Sauce Other Cooking Sauces High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 33kcal 6.7Protein 0Fat 6.7Carbs The Kroger Co. Pork Al Pastor With Borracho Beans And Cilantro Rice Other Deli High in sodium — 51% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 33% DV per serving 136kcal 10.2Protein 4.0Fat 14.1Carbs Harris-Teeter Inc. Harris Teeter, Fresh Foods Market, Vegetable Chili Chili & Stew High in sodium — 46% DV per serving 49kcal 2.5Protein 0.6Fat 8.6Carbs

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.