What Is Amazake? Japan's 1,500-Year-Old 'Drinkable IV'

For over 1,500 years, Japanese families have turned to a creamy, naturally sweet fermented rice drink for energy, glowing skin, and gut health. That drink is amazake, and 2026 is the year the rest of the world is finally catching on.

The name amazake (甘酒) literally translates to "sweet sake," but the most popular variety is completely non-alcoholic. If you're wondering how to say it, think AH-MAH-ZAH-KEH. If you enjoy horchata or rice pudding, you'll likely love the taste: creamy, gently sweet, and slightly thick.

Amazake's roots stretch back to the Kofun period (250–538 CE), with the oldest written reference appearing in the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), compiled in 720 CE. In Japanese health culture and media, rice koji amazake is nicknamed "nomu tenteki", meaning "drinkable IV drip," because its glucose, amino acids, and B-vitamins closely mirror the composition of hospital IV fluids used for quick recovery.

Below, we'll walk through the two types of amazake, the science-backed benefits, creative ways to use it in your kitchen, and where to find it in the US.

Two Types of Amazake: Koji vs. Sakekasu — Which Should You Choose?

Most guides skip over this, but there are actually two distinct types of amazake, and knowing the difference matters.

Koji Amazake

Made from rice and Aspergillus oryzae (koji mold), this variety is naturally sweet with zero added sugar. It contains 0.0–0.1% ABV, making it fully non-alcoholic and safe for children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. If you're drawn to amazake for health reasons, this is the one to reach for.

Sakekasu Amazake

This version is made from sake lees, a byproduct of sake brewing. It may contain trace alcohol and typically requires added sugar for sweetness. It also carries a compelling sustainability story: it transforms what would otherwise be waste into a nourishing drink.

Here's a quick side-by-side comparison:

• Sweetness source: Koji amazake gets its sweetness naturally from fermentation; sakekasu amazake needs added sugar.
• Alcohol content: Koji is essentially 0%; sakekasu may have trace amounts.
• Best for: Koji is ideal for health-focused, alcohol-free, and family use. Sakekasu suits those who enjoy a more complex, sake-adjacent flavor.

The koji connection is worth noting: Aspergillus oryzae is the very same mold behind miso, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and rice vinegar. If you already love these cornerstones of Japanese cuisine, amazake is a natural next step in your fermentation journey.

Science-Backed Health Benefits of Amazake

Amazake's reputation isn't built on folklore alone. Recent peer-reviewed research has confirmed several meaningful health benefits.

Gut Health

Amazake contains oligosaccharides and resistant protein that feed beneficial gut bacteria. A 2025 clinical study published in the Journal of Nutrition in Gerontology and Geriatrics examined the effects of malted rice amazake on the gut microbiome of older patients (average age 84.6 years) over six weeks. Researchers found measurable improvements in both nutritional status and gut microbiome composition. With roughly 67% of US consumers now actively seeking probiotic-rich products for gut health, amazake fits squarely into that demand.

Skin and Beauty from Within

A 2025 peer-reviewed study by Lange and Nakamura, published in Food Science and Human Wellness, confirmed that amazake supports skin barrier function and skin hydration in humans through randomized controlled trials. Separately, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 32 healthy women found that after eight weeks of daily amazake intake, participants showed statistically significant improvements in dark circles under the eyes, hair glossiness, and morning awakening quality.

Energy and Recovery

Amazake's naturally occurring glucose and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) make it a practical post-workout recovery option. Research published in the Journal of Fungi linked amazake consumption to reduced physical fatigue and improved bowel regularity, positioning it as a functional drink for athletes and active individuals alike.

Nutritional Density

Researchers have identified over 300 distinct ingredients in amazake, including B-vitamins, ergothioneine (a potent antioxidant found in koji amazake), glycosylceramide, and alpha-ethyl glucoside. It's a remarkably complex food for something made from just rice and koji.

A note on safety: Long-term intake studies have confirmed that koji amazake is safe at approximately 100 mL per day, with minimal impact on blood sugar or body weight. That's reassuring news for anyone monitoring glucose levels.

There's even a cosmetic crossover. The "rice ferment filtrate" derived from amazake's fermentation process is listed in the EU CosIng database and used in Japanese skincare and haircare formulations. Several sake breweries now supply both food-grade amazake and cosmetic-grade fermentation extracts.

Amazake in 2026: From Ancient Shrine Offering to Global Wellness Trend

Amazake is no longer a well-kept Japanese secret. The global amazake drinks market was valued at approximately $2.8 billion in 2025, with projections pointing toward significant growth through 2034 at a CAGR of roughly 6.9% (though estimates vary between research firms, with some placing the 2024 market closer to $1.32 billion). The ready-to-drink (RTD) segment is expanding fastest, projected at an 8.4% CAGR, driven by consumers who want wellness in a grab-and-go format.

Several macro-trends are fueling amazake's rise in the US. The sober-curious movement has created demand for festive, alcohol-free alternatives. The ingestible beauty trend aligns perfectly with amazake's clinically studied skin benefits. Clean-label shoppers appreciate a product with just two ingredients. And growing awareness of the gut-brain connection has consumers actively seeking fermented foods.

On social media, wellness communities across the US, Germany, and the UK are introducing amazake to consumers aged 25–44. Product innovation is accelerating, too: in May 2026, Japanese snack firm Hananomi LLC launched amazake jelly sticks for portable gut health, and health-conscious cafés are serving amazake lattes and smoothie bowls.

Think of amazake as the next kombucha: a fermented drink with deep cultural roots, broader nutritional benefits, and no added sugar in its koji form. Unlike kombucha, amazake has been part of Japanese life year-round for centuries. It's served hot during New Year's shrine visits (hatsumode) and at Hina Matsuri in March, then enjoyed cold in summer to combat natsubate (heat fatigue). It belongs to every season.

How to Use Amazake Beyond the Glass

Most people discover amazake as a drink, but it's genuinely one of the most versatile ingredients you can keep in your kitchen.

• Natural sugar substitute in baking: Swap refined sugar with koji amazake in cookies, muffins, and pancakes. You'll get a subtle sweetness plus nutrients that white sugar simply can't offer.
• Meat tenderizer and marinade: Amazake's enzymes break down proteins beautifully. Marinate chicken, pork, or fish in it for tender, flavorful results. This is a traditional Japanese cooking technique that home cooks have relied on for generations.
• Smoothie booster: Blend amazake into your morning smoothie for natural sweetness, creaminess, and a nutritional boost without any added sugar.
• Amazake latte: Warm it with oat milk or regular milk, add a pinch of ginger or cinnamon, and you have a cozy, alcohol-free alternative to your morning latte.
• Frozen desserts and bowls: Use amazake as a base or topping for açaí bowls, yogurt parfaits, or homemade amazake ice cream.

We encourage you to experiment. Amazake fits naturally alongside miso and mirin as a pantry staple in any Japanese-inspired kitchen. Once you start cooking with it, you'll wonder how you managed without it.

Where to Buy Amazake in the US

Amazake is still a specialty product in the US, and you're unlikely to find it at your average supermarket. Specialty Japanese grocery stores remain the most reliable source for authentic, high-quality amazake in both koji and sakekasu varieties.

At Tomato Japanese Grocery in Marietta, GA, we've spent over 20 years sourcing authentic Japanese specialty products, including hard-to-find items like amazake. You can pick it up in-store or have it shipped anywhere in the US via UPS.

When shopping, check the label carefully. If you want the non-alcoholic, no-added-sugar variety, confirm it's koji amazake. Also note whether it's refrigerated or shelf-stable, as both formats exist.

Ready to Try Japan's Ancient Wellness Drink?

Amazake is a 1,500-year-old fermented rice drink with modern, science-backed benefits for gut health, skin, energy, and recovery. It's also far more versatile than most people realize, working as a sweetener, marinade, smoothie ingredient, and cozy latte base.

If you've been cooking Japanese food for decades or are just starting to explore koji fermentation, amazake is one of the easiest and most delicious places to begin. We'd love for you to try it.

Browse amazake and other Japanese specialty products at Tomato Japanese Grocery, either in person at our Marietta, GA store or shipped right to your door anywhere in the US. Generations of Japanese families have trusted amazake for nourishment and celebration. Now it's your turn to discover why.