Kuradashi Collaborates with Ibaraki University to Create Innovative Rice Flour Madeleines from Sweet Potato Byproducts

Introduction

In a pioneering effort to tackle food waste, Kuradashi, a social good market based in Tokyo, has announced a collaboration with Ibaraki University and HYK to create a unique product: rice flour madeleines made from unused sweet potato scraps. This innovative product will be available to consumers starting October 20, 2025.

Background of the Collaboration

Kuradashi operates under the mission of reducing food waste by buying products that are still consumable but face difficulties in normal sales channels due to nearing expiration dates or being seasonal. The company repurposes these items for sale at its social good market and uses a portion of the proceeds to support various social contribution activities. To enhance its impact, Kuradashi established the Kuradashi Fund, focusing on social initiatives, and began its first collaborative research efforts with university students in September 2024.

Ibaraki University’s Emiko Ishijima Laboratory engages in collaborative projects aimed at fortifying local communities and promoting sustainable local development. Their work includes the upcycling of sweet potato byproducts and educational programs on food waste.

HYK, based in Sapporo, operates across three sectors: food, welfare, and environmental sustainability. With a commitment to finding new value in potentially discarded ingredients, HYK provides safe and reliable products, actively engaging in efforts to resolve food waste challenges.

The joint project was sparked by a shared vision among Kuradashi, Ibaraki University, and HYK to create a product that utilizes sweet potato byproducts effectively, which makes this collaboration a notable example of university-business-community partnerships aimed at food waste reduction.

About the Product: Rice Flour Madeleines

The rice flour madeleines are a delicious and fluffy treat infused with sweet potato scraps, specifically the skins and remnants, which make up roughly 40% of the raw material used. Generally, these scraps go to waste, contributing to environmental issues if improperly disposed of.

This new sweet treat not only satisfies the palette with a natural sweetness and flavor derived from the sweet potatoes but also champions sustainability by utilizing “substandard” rice—grains that are too small or broken for commercial distribution. Additionally, packaging and shipping tasks will be managed by the employment support facility operated by HYK.

These madeleines stand as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts between universities, businesses, and welfare entities under a model termed “Agri-Edu-Welfare Collaboration” which emphasizes the integration of community resources in product development.

Comments from Collaborators

- Shinnosuke Tada, Brand Business Department, Kuradashi:

“We are incredibly pleased to have achieved food waste reduction through the enthusiasm of students and the outstanding expertise of HYK. We sincerely thank everyone involved. Kuradashi will continue to act as a hub to broaden such valuable collaborations in society.”

- Emiko Ishijima, Ibaraki University:

“Through our laboratory activities, we have successfully transformed unused local resources into 'delicious forms.' As students, contributing to a product that will reach the public is immensely rewarding. We hope this encourages others to consider the potential of upcycling food waste.”

- Satoshi Kamihoki, CEO of HYK:

“The students’ passion for solving local issues, even from afar in Hokkaido, inspired us greatly. Celebrating the release of this product is just the beginning. We look forward to seeing how this endeavor will expand further.”

Future Directions

Kuradashi is committed to continuing its collaborative research with universities as part of its strategy to create new values that contribute to reducing food waste. By showcasing these initiatives as model cases, it aims to foster partnerships with other institutions to address pressing societal challenges effectively.

About Kuradashi and HYK

Kuradashi emphasizes social responsibility and innovation in its operations, aiming to create market solutions that benefit not only consumers but the community and environment as well. HYK strives to combine culinary creativity with sustainable practices, presenting products that resonate with a growing consumer consciousness around food waste and sustainability.