Bringing the Power of Fermentation to the Table
ITO SHUZO has long been known for its sake—but our passion for fermentation doesn’t stop there.
By combining brewing expertise, the hidden potential of sake byproducts, and the blessings of our local land, we’ve created a new expression of culture: fermented foods you can eat and enjoy every day.
“A little bit of UMAI, a little spark of joy—delivered to your everyday table.”
That’s the spirit behind ITO SHUZO’s fermented food line.
Fermented Foods by ITO SHUZO
We make what we truly want to eat every day: foods that are kind to the body, gentle on the planet, and above all, simply delicious.
That’s what we call “edible fermentation.”
Because we work with sake brewing byproducts, we understand the deep character of our ingredients. That means: no waste, no excess—just purposeful, careful work.
It may take more time, but you’ll taste it in the flavor, the aroma, and the quiet presence of craftsmanship in every bite.
These are fermented foods, born from the honest hands of a working brewery.
Sake Brewery’s Fermented Food Line – Crafted with Serious Care
At ITO SHUZO, fermentation isn’t just a technique—it’s a way of thinking, eating, and sharing. Our fermented foods are made with the same spirit as our sake: with patience, precision, and genuine passion.
From sake lees pastes to drinkable vinegars and rice-based breads, every item reflects our belief in:
- Minimal ingredients
- Thoughtful fermentation
- Deep, natural flavor
Whether you enjoy them at home, serve them in your restaurant, or share them as gifts, this is a lineup built on real craftsmanship.
Made by a brewery that takes fermentation seriously. Shared by those who believe food can be honest, comforting, and quietly extraordinary.
Sake Bakery Bread – Rice-Rich, Plant-Based Loaf from the Brewery
Firm on the outside, soft within —
this rustic loaf lets the natural aroma of rice bloom in every bite.
Crafted at our sake brewery,
it’s made with plant-based ingredients only—no eggs, dairy, or sugar.
Just carefully selected grains, water, and time.
- Naturally sweet from rice koji yeast—similar to our sake fermentation
- Moist interior, firm and crusty exterior
- Honest flavor from honest ingredients
Simple. Satisfying. Brewed with care, baked with intention.
Nigori-Su – Drinkable Sake Vinegar with a Gentle Finish
Soft acidity. Gentle umami. A vinegar you can sip.
Naturally fermented from sake, this cloudy-style vinegar retains the delicate aroma of Japanese sake and offers a mellow, smooth taste.
Enjoy it straight like an enzyme tonic, or use it in dressings and dishes—
its balanced flavor fits effortlessly into your daily routine.
- Mild, cloudy vinegar with sake lees richness
- Fermented gently to preserve natural aroma
- Ideal for daily balance and gentle body support
SAKEICE – A Boozy Ice Cream for Grown-Ups
Creamy, aromatic, and just tipsy enough.
This modern indulgence traces its roots to the “sake soft serve” we served in 2003 at our own restaurant Wamin.
Now reimagined with our dessert sake Uzume Relaxation Level 3,
SAKEICE is a luxurious ice cream for those who love sake and sweets in equal measure.
- Contains the equivalent of 1.5 servings of sake per 100g
- Made with rich, Non-GMO milk from Yokkaichi Dairy
- Deep aroma and elegant richness
- Perfect as a post-meal treat or sophisticated gift
Sweet Miso-Style Sake Lees – Fermented Umami Paste
This rich, savory-sweet paste is dangerously good—
you’ll want a second bowl of rice.
Inspired by the miso traditions of Mie Prefecture,
we blended sake lees with deep umami to create a miso-style paste that’s gentle and approachable for everyone.
- Completely additive-free
- Double-fermented: sake lees × traditional miso
- Pairs beautifully with vegetables, meat, rice, or even cheese
Spreadable Sake Lees – Jam-Style Fermented Delight
Perfect on toast or yogurt,
this mellow fermented paste offers an addictive natural sweetness.
Enjoy it cold, straight from the spoon—
and let the gentle, fruity aroma unfold on your palate.
- Naturally sweet sake lees with a touch of Meyer lemon tartness
- Lovely for breakfast—or with a glass of wine
Sake Lees Pickles – Infused, Not Just Preserved
This is more than just pickling.
It’s a gentle, thoughtful way of infusing flavor deep into each ingredient.
When the umami of the ingredient meets the richness of sake lees,
the result is a flavor that’s both soft and deeply satisfying.
- Highlights the natural taste of the ingredient
- Mildly salted and beautifully mellow
- Pairs well with both vegetables and fish
sakekasu -Discover the Untapped Power of Sake Lees
Not just a byproduct—this is fermentation’s hidden gem.
From everyday cooking to luxurious pairings,
sakekasu offers a unique depth of umami, aroma, and natural sweetness.
We craft and classify it with the same care as our sake,
because every type tells a different story.
Find your favorite from our three distinctive lines below.
sakekasu-basic
Start Here. Neutral, Adaptable, and Easy to Use.
Bake it, simmer it, mix it in—
this straightforward sake lees is your go-to for everyday cooking.
- Mild and versatile, no strong aftertaste
- Enjoy as-is, or add to miso soup, gratin, and more
- Freezer-friendly for easy storage and use
sakekasu-Relaxation
A Spoonful of Calm. Smooth, Edible Sake Lees.
Take it straight from the brewery freezer—
just a spoonful melts in your mouth,
leaving only its soft sweetness and lingering calm.
- Gentle, amazake-like sweetness
- Surprisingly easy to eat, even for sakekasu newcomers
- Perfect for winding down at night
sakekasu-timeless
Aged Like Cheese. Rich Like Time.
Long-aged and deeply layered,
this sake lees offers a savory, umami-rich flavor reminiscent of aged cheese.
Pair it with nuts or dried persimmons,
and you have a refined snack worthy of any drink.
- Aged-style sake lees
- Delicious grilled or eaten as-is
- A fermented delicacy made for pairing with sake and wine
Small Efforts, Everyday Miracles
They may look plain.
They may not be “Instagrammable.”
But in the quiet of our brewery’s fridge, something is always fermenting—
and one day, someone takes a bite and says:
“Wow, this is incredible.”
That moment?
It means everything to us.
ITO SHUZO’s fermented foods are born from days like that—
humble, steady, and full of care.
Gentle on the body. Kind to the planet.
And simply, something we truly want to eat every day.
We’ll keep sharing this kind of fermentation—
not just as food, but as a small expression of joy.
For Those Who Wish to Share Our Fermented Foods
At ITO SHUZO, we craft fermented foods the same way we craft our sake—
with care, even if it takes extra time—
because we want to eat them ourselves, every day.
We’ve been fortunate to hear things like:
“We’d love to offer this at our restaurant.”
“Our fermentation-loving customers would appreciate this.”
If you find our fermented foods intriguing or worth sharing,
we warmly invite you to reach out.
- Small-lot orders welcome
- Frozen shipping available
- Restaurants, food shops, and gift retailers encouraged