Sankyo’s retail arm Food Base has developed Genmai Gokochi, a GABA-enriched brown rice series aimed at holistic wellness – from sleep and mental health to gut, beauty, and anti-ageing benefits. It seeks to ease daily stress while keeping mealtimes enjoyable.
The idea is to address daily stressors and discomforts while still enjoying food.
“We’re offering four different types of GABA rice in this range for variety and aesthetic appeal, so that people are not just eating the same type of rice every day. It offers a comforting break during stressful times,” said Distribution Manager Bessho Yuki.
Each blend highlights a traditional Japanese ingredient that is familiar across Asia.
What is GABA rice?
GABA rice, or germinated brown rice, is produced by soaking and sprouting brown rice to naturally boost its gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. This process enriches the grain with additional nutrients such as vitamins and amino acids. Known for supporting relaxation and sleep, GABA is valued as a functional ingredient in Asia.
Comforting nutrition
Each rice serving contains 100mg GABA and can be served after microwave heating.
The Hitomebore rice blend is said to calm the mind and improve sleep quality.
Another blend with Daishimochi barley, which is rich in beta glucan, helps moderate the rise in blood sugar levels post-meal and supports digestive health.
The adzuki bean blend – a red bean common in Japanese desserts – is associated with digestive comfort, satiety, and iron intake, making it popular for beauty and diet-conscious consumers.
Meanwhile, the black rice blend offers antioxidant benefits from anthocyanins, which may help slow ageing and reduce risks of lifestyle-related diseases.
Collectively, the range aligns with Asia’s growing demand for convenient, science-backed foods that support mental wellness.
Mental wellness and GABA rice research
Sleep and mental health have become top consumer priorities in APAC amid cost-of-living pressures.
This has fuelled a wave of functional launches – from oat lattes to sparkling beverages – targeting relaxation and fatigue relief.
The growing appeal of GABA as a functional ingredient fits into this trend. Positioning it within a familiar staple like rice gives brands a practical way to merge innovation with cultural familiarity.
Research in Asia has long highlighted the benefits of germinated brown rice.
GABA rice has long been researched in Asia. A 2013 study by Chinese researchers reported that germination of brown rice can improve taste and further enhance its nutritional value.
“Germinated brown rice is considered healthier than white rice, as it is not only richer in the basic nutritional components such as vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres, and essential amino acids, but also contains more bioactive components, such as ferulic acid, γ-oryzanol, and gamma aminobutyric acid,” wrote Fengfeng Wu and Na Yang et al in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.
“Moreover, germinated brown rice has been reported to exhibit many physiological effects, including antihyperlipidemia, antihypertension, and the reduction in the risk of some chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease,”
Similar findings were reported by Indian researchers in the Journal of Food Science and Technology.
