Kombu Ame: Classic Japanese Kelp Seaweed Candy

Kombu, also known as kelp, is an edible seaweed commonly used to make soup stock or dashi in Japan, which makes up an indispensable part of Japanese cuisine. 

Not only do we use kombu as an ingredient in dishes, but in Japan, even snacks and candies made of it can be seen.

Among them, Nakano Miyako Kombu is a quintessential snack using kelp, while when I think of sweets using kombu, what comes to my mind right away is “Kombu Ame (こんぶ飴)”.

Kombu Ame (こんぶ飴)

Kombu Ame Japanese Kelp Candy

As its name indicates, the main ingredient of Kombu Ame is the seaweed kelp, and the latter Japanese word “Ame (飴)” here refers to a candy. 

Kombu Ame Candy

Kombu Ame is a kelp seaweed candy that has long been loved in Japan and typically shaped like a cube. 

Kombu Ame Japanese Kelp Seaweed Candy Cubes

With a gentle sweetness and soft chewy texture similar to caramel cubes, the Japanese treat features its blackish color and natural umami taste that come from the main ingredient kombu.

Ingredients

Kombu Ame Candy Ingredients Nutrition Facts Calories Label

As for the specific ingredients, based on the list on the back of the package, Kombu Ame mainly consists of kombu, starch, and rice powder, and is sweetened with sugar, starch syrup, and brown sugar.

Conclusion

Seaweed candy is quite unique to Japan, so it might be unappetizing to you. But Kombu Ame is really easy to eat with natural umami and gentle sweetness, so let’s give it a try if you have a chance.

Tomo

Hi, I'm Tomo, a Japanese blogger living in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. For the purpose of enriching your life, I would like to introduce things about Japan on this blog, especially unique Japanese products, cooking recipes, cultures, and facts and trivia.

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