Source: https://verify-veg.com/blog/is-sushi-vegetarian/
Language: en

# Is Sushi Vegetarian? (What's Actually In It)

Sushi sounds like it could be vegetarian: rice, seaweed, vegetables. But the word describes the
rice, not the toppings, and the toppings are often raw fish. Here is how to tell vegetarian sushi
from the rest.

> **Key Takeaways**
> - Sushi is not automatically vegetarian: the rice is plant-based, but the toppings are often fish.
> - Nigiri is usually fish, and roe, eel and tamago (egg) are not vegetarian.
> - Vegetarian options exist: cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, vegetable rolls and inari.
> - Watch the sauces: eel sauce and spicy mayo are not vegetarian or vegan.

**TL;DR: Sushi is not automatically vegetarian.** The word describes vinegared rice, which is
plant-based: but the most common toppings are raw fish, eel, crab and egg. Vegetarian sushi
(vegetable rolls, inari, avocado rolls) is widely available.

## The rice is fine: the toppings decide

Sushi rice is seasoned with rice vinegar, sugar and salt: all vegetarian. The question is what
goes on top or inside:

**Not vegetarian:**
- Nigiri with salmon, tuna, shrimp, eel (unagi) or octopus
- Roe (ikura, tobiko, masago)
- Tamago (sweet egg omelet)
- Imitation crab (kani): usually surimi, which contains egg white

**Vegetarian / vegan:**
- Kappa maki (cucumber roll)
- Avocado roll
- Vegetable rolls (carrot, asparagus, kampyo)
- Inari (sweet tofu pouch)
- Nori (seaweed) and rice

## Watch the sauces and fillings

Spicy mayo, eel sauce (made from fish), and some glazes are not vegetarian: even on an otherwise
vegetable roll. If in doubt, ask for no mayo and no eel sauce.

## The bottom line

- **Vegetarian?** Stick to vegetable rolls, inari and avocado rolls; skip fish, roe, eel and egg.
- **Vegan?** Same, minus tamago and any mayo/eel sauce.

See our [Sushi dish guide](/food/japan/sushi/) for the full breakdown.

**Check before you eat.** The Verify Veg app scans a barcode or reads an ingredient list from a
photo and flags ingredients against your diet (vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, Jain and more).
[Download on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verifyveg-vegan-scanner/id6758276834) - 
Android is coming soon.

*Written by Samir Narain, founder of Verify Veg. Verify Veg helps people check packaged food
against their diet by scanning barcodes and reading ingredient lists from photos.*

*Note: Verify Veg provides ingredient-based compatibility checks, not certification. Recipes and
preparations vary by restaurant, region and cook, so always confirm with the restaurant, brand or vendor.*