Sweet Koji (Amakoji)
Sweet Koji — known as Amakoji in Japan — is a thick, naturally sweet koji preparation made from just koji and water. Made by combining 1 part rice koji with 0.7 parts water, it develops a creamy, concentrated sweetness far stronger than amazake. For comparison, amazake typically measures 18–25% Brix*, while Sweet Koji reaches 30–37% Brix*, meaning it contains significantly more natural sugars created through enzymatic saccharification. Although they share similarities, Sweet Koji’s texture, sweetness, and culinary uses are completely different, and its density makes it a cooking ingredient, not a drink. *Brix is a simple measurement of sweetness, showing how many grams of natural sugar are present in 100 grams of solution.
Sweet Koji as a Natural Sweetener
Sweet Koji is an excellent alternative to refined sugar. Its sweetness comes from koji enzymes converting rice starch into natural sugars, giving it nutritional benefits that sugar cannot provide.
Using Sweet Koji instead of sugar adds:
Natural sweetness without added sugar
B‑vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber
Digestive support from active enzymes
Gut‑friendly oligosaccharides
A thick texture that enriches sauces, marinades, and baked goods
Sweet Koji doesn’t just sweeten — it enhances nutrition, boosts umami, and adds body to dishes.
How to Use Sweet Koji
Sweet Koji works beautifully in:
Marinades and glazes
Stir‑fries and sautés
Dressings and dips
Desserts (ice cream, sorbet, puddings etc. )
Sauces that need body and gentle sweetness
Its enzymes tenderize ingredients while adding shine and depth.
Freezing & Defrosting
Sweet Koji freezes extremely well, and the pouch with a spout makes it even easier to use.
Freeze the pouch as‑is
When ready to cook, leave it at room temperature for about 10 minutes
The top softens quickly, allowing you to squeeze out just the amount you need
Return the pouch to the freezer if you’re using only a small portion
This flexibility makes Sweet Koji a ready‑to‑use ingredient for daily cooking.
Fresh Sweet Koji COMING SOON
Long Beach Koji is currently scaling production of Sweet Koji, and it will be available for purchase soon at Partake Collective in Long Beach. We’re excited to share this traditional ingredient in a convenient spouted pouch so home cooks can enjoy its natural sweetness and versatility.
Japanese Umami Tasting Workshops
We are thrilled to invite you to our hands-on Japanese Umami workshops! Guided by an expert instructor, you’ll cheer with Amazake and Fresh Sweet Koji. You’ll also learn how to make your own Shio Koji. You’ll have the opportunity to purchase fresh rice Koji from Long Beach Koji and experiment with your own creations at home. For detail, visit Koji Events | Long Beach Koji
