Foreign visitors to Japan often notice a small white package in the refrigerator section of supermarkets. Inside is natto, fermented soybeans that Japanese people eat a lot.
To many first-time visitors, natto can be intimidating. It’s sticky, has a strong smell, and looks very different from foods they’re used to.
But in Japan, natto is considered a super healthy comfort food, especially at breakfast.
In this article, I’ll show you:
How Japanese people open and prepare a standard natto pack
Why do so many Japanese people love something that smells strong and is so sticky?
An easy way for beginners to try natto if the traditional version feels too strong
Have you ever tried a natto snack? In Japan, especially in the Kansai region, people enjoy freeze-dried natto seasoned with soy sauce. It has the rich flavor of natto but none of the sticky texture. That’s why it’s a great choice for natto beginners.
How to Open a complicated Natto Pack (The Japanese Way)
One thing that surprises many people is that opening natto properly matters.
Most natto packs come with:
fermented soybeans
a small packet of soy sauce (tare)
a packet of mustard
Step 1 – Remove the Sauce Packets
Open the lid and take out the small sauce and mustard packets.
Step 2 – Peel Off the Plastic Film
Inside the container there is usually a thin plastic sheet covering the beans. Slowly lift it while twisting slightly to avoid pulling long sticky strings.
Step 3 – Mix the Natto
Use chopsticks to mix the beans vigorously for about 20–30 seconds. This step is important. Mixing creates the sticky foam that gives natto its unique texture. That foam is actually the best part! I sometimes feel like I could eat just the foam. (In this photo, I added chopped green onions before mixing — highly recommended!)
Step 4 – Add Sauce and Mustard
After mixing, add the sauce and mustard and stir again. Now the natto is ready to eat. Japanese people usually simply put it over hot rice. But I also love eating natto over hot rice with kimchi. The combination is amazing. Since both natto and kimchi are fermented foods, many people in Japan see it as a very healthy pairing. The kimchi also adds a refreshing crunchy texture that contrasts with natto’s stickiness.
If you’re interested in Japanese food, check out my article below. You’ll learn about popular ramen flavors in Japan and how to order ramen at a Japanese ramen restaurant. Ramen culture in Japan is deeper than you might expect!
Why do Japanese people love this sticky, strong-smelling food?
Natto is famous in Japan for its health benefits.
It is rich in:
protein
probiotics
vitamin K2
fiber
Because of this, many people believe natto supports heart health and digestion. That’s one reason it’s a common breakfast food in Japan.
As a mother, I often serve natto for breakfast because I want my children to start the day with something healthy. At first they were not sure about the smell or the sticky texture, but after eating it regularly, they actually became big natto fans.
Another reason natto is so popular is that it pairs well with many different foods. The classic way is to eat it over hot rice, but many people enjoy it with other dishes too.
For example, it goes surprisingly well with:
kimchi
curry rice
tonkatsu
Some people even add natto on top of fried rice to boost the nutritional value of the meal. Once you get used to the flavor, you might be surprised at how versatile natto can be.
However, the sticky texture can still be challenging for first-time eaters.
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An Easy Way for Beginners to Try Natto
If the traditional sticky version feels intimidating, there is another way to experience the flavor of natto.
Petit Pori Natto is a freeze-dried natto snack that is actually quite popular in Japan. Many people enjoy it as a light snack because it’s both tasty and healthy.
Unlike regular natto, it is:
crunchy
mild in smell
easy to eat like a snack
It keeps the nutty, savory flavor of natto but removes the slimy texture that many first-time eaters find challenging.
Another reason people like this snack is that it feels guilt-free. Since it’s made from soybeans, it’s a healthier choice compared to many typical snacks.
The flavor is also very satisfying. It has a rich soy sauce seasoning, but you can still clearly taste the unique flavor of natto.
Because it’s freeze-dried, it’s not sticky and doesn’t smell strong, so you can enjoy it anytime and anywhere—at home, at work, or even while traveling.
It’s not only a snack, either. Many people also use it in simple dishes. For example, you can:
sprinkle it on salads
mix it into pasta
add it to rice dishes
It’s an easy way to add extra flavor and nutrition to everyday meals.
👉 This makes it a great “first step” into the world of natto.
Natto is one of the most unique foods in Japanese cuisine. While the traditional version can surprise first-time eaters, it’s also a food that many people grow to love. If you’re curious about Japanese food culture, trying natto is almost a rite of passage. And if you want a gentler introduction, a crunchy snack like Petit Pori Natto can be the perfect starting point.
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