Furikake substitutes
Furikake substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Everything bagel seasoning
Same amount as the furikake
American seasoning blend with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. Similar texture and flavor profile to furikake.
The best substitutes for furikake are everything bagel seasoning, nori flakes with sesame seeds, gomasio, or homemade furikake using seaweed, sesame seeds, and seasonings.
- The tweak —
- Sprinkle over rice or other dishes.
- Best for —
- rice dishes
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of furikake |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Everything bagel seasoningrice dishes | Same amount |
| 2 | Nori flakes + sesame seedsrice dishes | ½ tbsp nori flakes + ½ tbsp sesame seeds + pinch of salt per 1 tbsp furikake |
| 3 | Gomasio (sesame salt)rice dishes | Same amount |
| 4 | Homemade furikakerice dishes | Same amount |
| 5 | Seaweed salad seasoningrice dishes | Same amount |
| 6 | Sesame seeds + saltrice dishes | 1 tbsp sesame seeds + ¼ tsp salt per 1 tbsp furikake |
Everything bagel seasoning
savory, nutty, slightly garlicky
American seasoning blend with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. Similar texture and flavor profile to furikake.
- Best for
- rice dishes, avocado toast, salads, sushi, noodles, popcorn
- Texture
- crunchy, seed-based
- Prep
- Sprinkle over rice or other dishes.
Most similar to furikake in texture and versatility. Contains similar seeds and seasonings.
Nori flakes + sesame seeds
seaweed, nutty, savory
Homemade blend using dried seaweed flakes and toasted sesame seeds. Closest to traditional furikake.
- Best for
- rice dishes, sushi, soups, noodles, salads, onigiri
- Texture
- flaky, crunchy
- Prep
- Mix equal parts nori flakes and toasted sesame seeds. Add salt to taste. Store in airtight container.
Most authentic substitute. Can be customized with additional seasonings like sugar, salt, or bonito flakes.
Gomasio (sesame salt)
nutty, salty
Japanese seasoning made from toasted sesame seeds and salt. Simple but effective furikake alternative.
- Best for
- rice dishes, sushi, soups, vegetables, salads
- Texture
- crunchy, seed-based
- Prep
- Sprinkle over rice or other dishes.
Traditional Japanese seasoning. Can be made at home or purchased. Less complex than furikake but very versatile.
Homemade furikake
varies by recipe
Custom blend using seaweed, sesame seeds, salt, sugar, and optional ingredients like bonito flakes or dried fish.
- Best for
- rice dishes, sushi, onigiri, noodles, soups, vegetables
- Texture
- flaky, crunchy
- Prep
- Mix 2 parts nori flakes, 1 part toasted sesame seeds, ½ part salt, ½ part sugar. Add optional ingredients like bonito flakes or dried fish.
Most customizable option. Can be made vegan or include fish-based ingredients. Store in airtight container.
Seaweed salad seasoning
seaweed, savory
Pre-made seasoning blend designed for seaweed salads. Often contains sesame seeds and seasonings.
- Best for
- rice dishes, salads, noodles, sushi
- Texture
- varies by brand
- Prep
- Sprinkle over rice or other dishes.
Convenient option but may have different flavor profile. Check ingredients to ensure it matches your needs.
Sesame seeds + salt
nutty, salty
Simple two-ingredient substitute. Basic but effective for adding texture and flavor to rice.
- Best for
- rice dishes, sushi, vegetables, salads
- Texture
- crunchy
- Prep
- Mix toasted sesame seeds with salt. Use 1:1 ratio with furikake.
Minimalist option. Toasted sesame seeds work best. Can be enhanced with other seasonings.
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for furikake seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning is the best overall substitute for furikake. It has similar texture and flavor profile, and is widely available in most grocery stores.
Can I make furikake at home?
Yes, you can make furikake at home using nori flakes, toasted sesame seeds, salt, sugar, and optional ingredients like bonito flakes or dried fish.
What's the difference between furikake and everything bagel seasoning?
Furikake is Japanese and typically contains seaweed, while everything bagel seasoning is American and contains garlic and onion. Both have similar texture and versatility.
Can I use gomasio instead of furikake?
Yes, gomasio (sesame salt) is a traditional Japanese seasoning that works well as a furikake substitute, though it's simpler in flavor.
What can I substitute for furikake in sushi?
For sushi, use nori flakes with sesame seeds or homemade furikake for the most authentic taste. Everything bagel seasoning also works well.
Tips for substituting furikake
10 tips- Choose your furikake substitute based on the dish you're making
- Everything bagel seasoning is the most versatile and widely available substitute
- For authentic Japanese flavor, use nori flakes with sesame seeds
- Gomasio is good for simple rice dishes and traditional Japanese cooking
- Homemade furikake allows you to customize flavors and ingredients
- Store homemade furikake in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Toast sesame seeds before using for better flavor and crunch
- Add furikake substitute just before serving to maintain texture
- For sushi, use nori-based substitutes for the most authentic taste
- Experiment with different ratios to find your preferred flavor balance