\u201cIt\u2019s basically edible amazake in a convenient stick format, designed for busy consumers who may not have regular eating habits but still want to support gut health or get a gentle energy boost. You can take it anytime \u2013 during the morning rush, as a break snack, or even as a dessert,\u201d said Hananomi LLC Director Yoshito Miyazawa<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s also popular among females in Japan because of its known benefits to improve complexion.\u201d<\/p>\n The aim is to make it easier for busy consumers to adopt a healthier lifestyle. <\/p>\n \u201cThe concept was partly inspired by consumer habits in Japan, where convenient formats can help those who struggle to maintain regular hydration and nutrition routines,\u201d said Miyazawa.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can condense around 250\u2013280ml amazake into a 15-gram jelly stick. This makes it a compact product compared to carrying a bottle of drink around. Amazake has traditionally been consumed as a drink, so we wanted to make it easier to take in a more convenient format for modern lifestyles.\u201d<\/p>\n He added that the jelly sticks contain live probiotic cultures, are free from preservatives, and can be stored at ambient temperature for up to four months. <\/p>\n The jelly sticks come in two flavours \u2013 original and yoghurt. According to Miyazawa, there is no strict limit on consumption, but one 15-gram stick a day is recommended to support digestion and complexion.<\/p>\n Hananomi uses koji amazake \u2013 or rice amazake \u2013 with origins dating back to early Japanese history. It was first recorded in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), compiled in AD 720.<\/p>\n Koji amazake has long been consumed as a nourishing drink, especially during hot weather to help people cope with heat fatigue, which includes symptoms such as weakness and exhaustion caused by exposure to high temperatures. <\/p>\n It is also widely believed to support digestion and improve skin health.<\/p>\n Data from various Japanese studies appear to support these traditional claims.<\/p>\n A study published in the Journal of Fungi<\/a> found that amazake may support physical fatigue recovery among athletes, improve bowel movement, and support skin barrier function.<\/p>\n![\"Hananomi\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/FZKCILYYKZFUPPO5ZA7S7WTGPU.png\")
Hananomi\u2019s amazake jelly sticks in yoghurt and original flavours, with visible fermented rice (koji) grains. (Image: William Reed\/Hananomi LLC)Amazake\u2019s functional benefits gain renewed attention<\/p>\n