Top Sushi Rice Brands: Elevate Your Sushi-Making Game

Sushi rice is a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, renowned for its unique texture and flavor that perfectly complements fresh fish and other toppings. Choosing the right brand can significantly influence the quality of your homemade sushi, whether you're an experienced chef or just a sushi enthusiast trying your hand at crafting rolls. With numerous options available in the market, it's essential to select a brand that is known for its consistency, fluffiness, and authentic taste. In the following sections, we provide a curated list of the best brands for sushi rice, ensuring that your culinary creations are nothing short of spectacular.

Illustration of sushi rice

Best brands of sushi rice in 2025

Nishiki

Nishiki is a highly regarded brand for sushi rice, known for its premium medium-grain rice grown in the rich soil and crystal clear water of California. It is a favorite among sushi experts and chefs due to its superior flavor, texture, and reliable consistency. Nishiki rice is widely available and is the number one seller at both Amazon and Walmart, highlighting its popularity. The brand has been a staple for 40 years, ensuring high-quality sushi rice with every harvest. Nishiki's commitment to quality has made it a top choice for those seeking authentic sushi rice.

Kokuho Rose

Kokuho Rose, developed by Koda Farms in 1948, is renowned as one of the best producers of sushi rice, setting standards for California's premium medium grain rice industry. This proprietary variety, introduced commercially in 1963, is celebrated for its superior table quality and is a favorite among connoisseurs. Kokuho Rose is nitrogen flushed for freshness and is available in various sizes, including a 10-pound package. It holds a significant market share in the global Japonica rice market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2024 to 2031. The brand's commitment to excellence is reflected in its extensive research programs and sophisticated production facilities. For more details about Kokuho Rose California Original Sushi Rice, visit their product page.

Lundberg

Lundberg Family Farms is renowned as one of the best producers of sushi rice, leveraging over 85 years of experience since 1937. Their Organic California Sushi Rice is certified gluten-free, non-GMO, and Regenerative Organic Certified(r), ensuring high quality and sustainability. This short grain rice is perfectly suited for sushi, with just the right amount of stickiness, and is also versatile for use in rice salads, desserts, and other recipes. Lundberg's commitment to organic farming practices and environmental stewardship, including using 100% renewable energy, sets them apart. Their rice is grown with earth-preserving methods that support soil health, wildlife habitat, and community strength.

Botan Calrose

Botan Calrose rice, developed in the late 1940s in California, is a highly regarded medium grain japonica rice ideal for sushi due to its soft and slightly sticky texture, which is achieved through its 18% amylose content. This rice is grown in the fertile soil and crystal clear water of California, making it versatile for various cuisines. It is a popular choice among sushi makers, including those in Chinese restaurants, for its desirable cooking properties. Botan Calrose rice is known for its tender texture and delicate flavor, making it a favorite among consumers. It is widely available and reasonably priced, making it accessible for both home cooks and professional chefs. You can discover more about Botan Calrose rice at Smart & Final's product page.

Tamanishiki

Tamanishiki is renowned as one of the best producers of sushi rice, particularly for its super premium short grain varieties. This California-grown rice combines the high-quality Koshikikari and Yuma Gokochi strains, offering great flavor and texture ideal for sushi. Each 0.25 cup serving of Tamanishiki Super Premium Short Grain Rice contains 34g of total carbs, 2g of protein, and 150 calories. The brand emphasizes the importance of using "First Crop" or "New Variety" rice, which is harvested in the fall and ensures optimal quality for sushi preparation. With its careful polishing, Tamanishiki rice does not require washing, enhancing its convenience for chefs. For more details or to purchase, visit the Tamanishiki sushi rice page.

Kitano

Japanese sushi rice, known for its sticky texture and flavor, is often produced by renowned brands such as Koshihikari and Akita Komachi. In 2023, 43 rice brands received the highest rank of Special A in the Japan Grain Inspection Association's taste ranking, with Koshihikari and other brands like Mizukagami and Kinumusume standing out for their quality. These brands are evaluated based on factors such as appearance, aroma, taste, stickiness, and firmness. The ranking is conducted annually, with some brands maintaining their Special A status for multiple years. For instance, Uonuma Koshihikari from Niigata held the Special A rank for a record 28 years. More details about the taste ranking can be found on Nippon's official website.

Tamaki Gold

Tamaki Gold is renowned as one of the top producers of sushi rice, particularly for its high-quality California-grown Koshihikari variety, which is on par with the best Koshihikari cultivated in Japan. Evaluated by the Japanese Association of Rice Taste Appraisers, Tamaki Gold has been ranked among the top Koshihikari grown in Japan. This brand ensures rigorous quality control, from planting to packaging, and uses advanced milling techniques to maintain the rice's optimal moisture content and flavor. Tamaki Gold rice is known for its perfect stickiness, flavor, and firmness, making it ideal for sushi, sukiyaki, tempura, and tonkatsu. With over 20 years of commitment to quality, Tamaki Rice Corporation has established itself as a leader in the sushi rice market.

Shirakiku

Shirakiku is a highly regarded brand for sushi rice, known for its high-quality Koshihikari variety grown in California. This brand, registered as a trademark in 1921, has established itself as a popular choice in the US and globally, supplying over 6,000 Japanese food items. Shirakiku Koshihikari Rice is praised for its flavor, texture, and consistency, making it a favorite among sushi enthusiasts. The brand's commitment to quality and adherence to local laws and regulations ensure that their products meet the highest standards. With a significant presence in over 30 countries, Shirakiku continues to expand its market share. For further information about their extensive range of Japanese food items, visit their official website.

Diamond G

Diamond G Calrose is a renowned brand in the sushi rice market, known for its high-quality short-grain rice that meets the stringent standards of sushi chefs. As one of the global key manufacturers, Diamond G Calrose has a significant market share, with the top five players holding approximately a certain percentage of the revenue in 2022 and 2023. The brand's sushi rice models are highly regarded for their sticky texture and ability to hold shape, making them a preferred choice. From 2018 to 2023, Diamond G Calrose has demonstrated strong sales volume, revenue, and gross margin, solidifying its position in the industry. The company's recent developments and expansions have further enhanced its market presence. For more detailed insights, visit the Global Sushi Rice Industry Report.

Yuki Tsubaki

Yuki Tsubaki is renowned as one of the premier producers of sushi rice, known for its ultra-high-end Koshihikari variety. This brand stands out due to its meticulous production process, where the soil is prepared using four times the standard cost and manpower, and the polishing process takes three times longer than usual. Yuki Tsubaki accounts for only 0.0007% of the total Koshihikari production, emphasizing its exclusivity and quality. The rice is grown using premium water from the Ryugakubo mountain stream, enriching it with nutrient-dense minerals. Yuki Tsubaki has received a gold medal in an international rice taste evaluation contest for five consecutive years, reflecting its exceptional quality. For more details about their premium rice production, visit their partnership page.