Exploring Mizkan: Japan’s Leading Natto Brand

In this post, I’m introducing Mizkan — a well-known Japanese brand with a rich history in fermentation. Best known for its vinegar, Mizkan also offers a wide range of tasty natto products. I’ll share more about the brand and highlight some of my favorite picks!

Looking for more? Check out these popular Japanese natto brands!

About Mizkan

Mizkan (ミツカン) was founded in 1804 as a sake brewery and later expanded into vinegar production, playing a key role in shaping sushi culture during the Edo period. Today, Mizkan is a nationally recognized brand with products widely available across Japan and in many countries worldwide.

Although Mizkan is a relatively new player in the natto industry, the company leverages its long-standing expertise in fermentation—developed through vinegar making—into its natto production as well.

👉 Visit the Mizkan Website for more info.

Mizkan Natto Products

As one of Japan’s top natto brands, Mizkan stands out for its wide variety of products. Here are a few of my personal recommendations!

Toro Mame (とろっ豆)

This is my personal No.1 pick! The packaging is super clever—there’s sauce hidden in the back of the lid, and when you snap the center, it mixes right into the natto. So easy and mess-free! Once you stir it, the white strings turn extra fluffy and stretchy, giving it a wonderfully light texture.

Ume-Flavored Black Vinegar Sauce (梅風味黒酢たれ)

This sauce combines two flavors—pickled plum (ume) and black vinegar—for a mild, refreshing tang that brightens up natto. The zesty aroma also helps tone down the signature natto smell, making it much easier to enjoy, even if you’re not usually a fan.

Eggy Soy Sauce (たまご醤油たれ)

This natto sauce is all about the rich flavor of egg yolk. If you love that classic tamago kake gohan (egg over rice), this sauce recreates that same comforting flavor—but with natto. It coats the beans beautifully, making them mellow, smooth, and easy to eat.

Natto Kouka (納豆効果)

“Natto Kouka” literally means “Natto Effect,” and it’s made with a special natto bacteria. According to Mizkan, it helps improve gut health and supports digestion. If you’re keeping natto stocked at home, this one’s a great pick!

Hokkaido Natto (北海道納豆)

So far, I’ve introduced some unique types of natto, but this one’s a classic. It’s a small-grain natto made with soybeans from Hokkaido. The sauce, flavored with kombu and bonito, makes the natto even more delicious.

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