Finding Specialty Foods in Japan: Halal, Gluten-Free, Keto, and More

Finding Specialty Grocery Stores in Japan

For foreigners living in Japan with specific dietary needs, finding the right food products can sometimes be a challenge. However, there are a growing number of grocery stores and online shops that cater to various dietary restrictions such as Halal, gluten-free, and Keto-friendly options. This guide will help you locate stores that meet your needs and explain how to search for these items using Japanese keywords when navigating local websites or online stores.

1. Halal-Certified Foods:

Many foreigners following a Halal diet may struggle to find suitable products in regular Japanese grocery stores, but there are specialty shops and online stores that provide Halal-certified ingredients.

• Popular Stores and Online Options:
  • Gyomu Super (業務スーパー): Some branches carry Halal-certified products, particularly in neighborhoods with a larger Muslim population.
  • Halal Navi: A useful app and website for finding Halal-friendly restaurants and stores across Japan.
  • Halal Japan (ハラール ジャパン): Online store offering a wide range of Halal-certified products such as meat, spices, and snacks.
• Search Keywords in Japanese:
  • ハラール認証 (Halal certification)
  • ハラール食材 (Halal food ingredients)
  • イスラム教徒向け食品 (Food for Muslims)

When searching for Halal products online or in local stores, you can use these keywords. For example, searching for “ハラール認証 食品” (Halal-certified foods) will bring up relevant results on Japanese websites.

2. Gluten-Free Foods:

Although gluten-free eating is less common in Japan, an increasing number of stores and online retailers are beginning to offer gluten-free options, especially in larger cities.

• Popular Stores and Online Options:
  • Natural House (ナチュラルハウス): A health food store that stocks organic and gluten-free products, with branches in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
  • iHerb Japan: A widely used international online store that offers a variety of gluten-free products and ships to Japan.
  • HealthyTokyo: An English-friendly online store that specializes in organic, vegan, and gluten-free products, delivering across Japan.
• Search Keywords in Japanese:
  • グルテンフリー (Gluten-free)
  • 小麦不使用 (No wheat used)
  • グルテンフリー食材 (Gluten-free ingredients)

If you are looking for gluten-free items, try searching for “グルテンフリー 食品” (gluten-free food) on online shopping platforms or “小麦不使用” (no wheat used) to find more specific results.

3. Keto-Friendly Foods:

For those following a ketogenic diet, finding low-carb options in Japan may seem challenging, but there are specialty stores and online services offering Keto-friendly ingredients and snacks.

• Popular Stores and Online Options:
  • Amazon Japan: Offers a variety of low-carb and Keto-friendly products. The Keto trend is gaining popularity, making it easier to find related products online.
  • Costco Japan: Offers imported low-carb and Keto-friendly options in bulk.
• Search Keywords in Japanese:
  • ケトジェニック (Ketogenic)
  • 低糖質 (Low carb)
  • ケトフレンドリー (Keto-friendly)

When searching online, use terms like “低糖質 食品” (low-carb food) or “ケトジェニック ダイエット” (ketogenic diet) to locate products that fit the Keto diet.

4. Other Dietary Needs:

• Vegan: Veganism is slowly gaining popularity in Japan, and you can find vegan-friendly stores and restaurants in major cities.
  • Search Keywords: ヴィーガン (Vegan), 動物性不使用 (No animal products)
• Lactose-Free: Lactose-free products are available in certain health stores and online.
  • Search Keywords: 乳糖不耐症 (Lactose intolerance), 乳糖不使用 (Lactose-free)
• Organic and Non-GMO: Japan has a growing market for organic and non-GMO products.
  • Search Keywords: 有機食品 (Organic food), 遺伝子組み換え不使用 (Non-GMO)

How to Search for Specialty Foods in Japanese:

When using Japanese search engines or shopping on Japanese websites, it’s useful to know the right keywords to get the most relevant results. Below are some general tips:

• Use Specific Dietary Terms: Combining your dietary needs with words like 食材 (ingredients), 食品 (food), or 店舗 (store) can help refine your search.
• Check for Certifications: Keywords like 認証 (certification) or 検査済み (inspected) can help find reliable sources.

For example, if you are searching for Halal-certified chicken, you can use the phrase “ハラール認証 鶏肉” (Halal-certified chicken). Similarly, for gluten-free bread, try “グルテンフリー パン” (gluten-free bread).

By using the right search terms, foreign residents can more easily find the specialty food products that meet their dietary requirements in Japan. This will make it easier for those with specific needs to navigate grocery shopping and maintain their dietary preferences.