Sushi Ingredients

Q. Sushi is my favorite type of food. In a common California roll cream cheese and imitation crab meat are ingredients. Are there alternatives for these 2 ingredients? -Kirstin 

A: Unfortunately many commercially-bought sushi rolls contain ingredients that don't need to be there - like aspartame, MSG, and cream cheese. Sushi contains nori (seaweed), rice, and ginger as its basic ingredients, with soy sauce (or tamari) and wasabi on the side. Raw fish like salmon or tuna and vegetables (such as cucumber) or avocado can be added.

Imitation crab meat (called kamaboko) has been used by the Japanese for hundreds of years. It is usually made from Alaska pollock (cheaper than crab and has less fat and cholesterol). Sugar and/or sorbitol as well as artificial flavors, colors, egg white, starch, and oil are added during processing.

Look for fresh sushi that is made with minimal ingredients. Most good Japanese restaurants use higher quality ingredients. If you're picking up sushi at your local market, read labels before buying.