Tag: Imitation wasabi

Authentic wasabi is made from the grated root of the Wasabia japonica plant, while most restaurant versions are actually a mixture of horseradish, mustard, and food coloring. While a dash of either is unlikely to impact your diet, understanding the carbohydrate content is crucial to determine if wasabi is keto-friendly.

Up to 95% of the wasabi consumed outside of Japan is not authentic wasabi at all, but a salty impostor made primarily from horseradish. This common imitation version is often loaded with sodium, which heavily influences the public's perception of wasabi's saltiness, rather than the naturally low-sodium true plant.

Authentic wasabi, freshly grated from the rhizome of the Wasabia japonica plant, contains a negligible amount of sugar. This fact often surprises those used to the sweet and spicy kick of the common green paste, which leads to the essential question: is wasabi high in sugar, or is it a hidden ingredient in imitations?

Over 90% of wasabi consumed outside of Japan is not authentic but an imitation made from horseradish and other ingredients. Authentic, grated wasabi rhizome is naturally gluten-free; however, the popular, inexpensive pastes and powders often contain hidden gluten, which can be a serious concern for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.