Frequently Asked Questions

Many people think umami is about mushrooms but the truth is umami is present in many different foods. Umami is the “fifth basic taste” alongside sweet, sour, salty and bitter and it’s often described as a savory flavor that creates a sense of fullness and satisfaction in the mouth.

Umami comes from natural compounds:

• Glutamate – found in seaweed, tomatoes, fermented food (soy sauce, miso, even cheese!)
• Inosinate – found mostly in meat and fish
• Guanylate – found in mushrooms such as dried shiitake, porcini

When these compounds are combined (for example, mushrooms + tomatoes), they create a synergy effect making flavors taste even richer and more delicious. Our products are crafted to enhance this natural savory depth in your cooking and make you go “Mmm”.

Umami seasonings can be used in countless ways! You can sprinkle on meat, fish, vegan dishes, soups, rice, noodles, pasta and more.

Dashi is a traditional Japanese soup stock that forms the foundation of many Japanese dishes. It's typically made from katsuobushi (dried bonito), kombu (dried kelp) and additional ingredients like dried shiitake and additional fish ingredients. The result is a subtle yet complex umami that enhances everyday meals bringing out natural flavors without overpowering them. Our vegan dashi products offer the same depth without any animal products.

You can use it three ways:

For Stock (If your dish requires clear stock)

1. Place 1 pack (8 g) in 400-500ml of water.
2. Bring to a gentle boil then simmer for 4-6 minutes.
3. Remove the pack.

For Stock (If your dish doesn’t require clear stock - richer stock)

1. Tear open the pack and add the powder directly to hot water.
2. Bring to a gentle boil then simmer for 2–3 minutes.

As a Seasoning

Tear open the pack and sprinkle over any dishes that needs an umami boost.

Note: Because our products are made with whole natural ingredients, some particles may not fully dissolve. If you prefer a smoother texture, please remove any remaining bits or grind the powder finer.

Because our products are made with whole natural ingredients, some particles may not fully dissolve. If you prefer a smoother texture, please remove any remaining bits or grind the powder finer.

[How to Store]

• Before Opening
  Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
• After Opening
  We recommend resealing the bag tightly removing as much air as possible and store in the refrigerator.
• If a dashi packet is opened and not fully used
  Keep the remaining powder inside the packet. Place it in an airtight container or resealable bag and store in the refrigerator. For best quality, use within 2 weeks.

[Additional Notes]

• For Loose Powder, always use a dry spoon to prevent moisture from entering the bag.
• Because we use natural ingredients, the aroma and flavor may gradually change after opening. If you notice any unusual odor, color or taste, please discontinue use.

The “Best by” date is a guideline for when the product is expected to have its best flavor and quality.

Because our products are made with natural ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives, the flavor may gradually change over time. We recommend enjoying them by the “Best by” date for the best experience.

Yes! All our umami seasoning and Absolute products are vegan and vegetarian-friendly. We also offer plant-based dashi products that provide the same umami richness as traditional dashi without any animal ingredients. Always check the product labels for specific dietary information.

Absolutely! While umami and dashi have roots in Japanese cuisine, the principles of enhancing savory depth work in any culinary tradition. Umami is a universal taste that enhances flavors across all cultures and cooking styles.

Umami naturally enhances the perception of saltiness, so you can use less salt while maintaining satisfying flavor. When you add umami-rich ingredients or seasonings to your food, your taste buds register the dish as more flavorful, reducing the need for additional salt, MSG or heavy sauces. This makes our products ideal for health-conscious cooking.

Not in the way you might expect. While some of our blends are made with mushrooms like shiitake and porcini (naturally rich in umami compounds), they’re not designed to make your food taste “mushroomy.”

Instead, the mushrooms work together with other ingredients to add depth, savoriness and richness boosting flavors rather than overpowering them.

Unlike seasonings loaded with excess sodium, our blends are crafted to build natural, layered savory complexity instead of overpowering flavors. The result is a more balanced, sophisticated and deeply satisfying taste.

Because they rely on umami-rich ingredients rather than salt or artificial flavors, our blends let you enjoy bold flavor while supporting a healthier lifestyle.