Raised in the land of Hidaka, Hokkaido — a one-of-a-kind brand pork born of whey and Hidaka kelp, with a flavor character all its own.
Hidaka no Whey Buta (Hidaka Whey Pork) is a brand pork produced by Hidaka Pork Co., Ltd. in Shinhidaka Town, Hidaka District, Hokkaido. At the farm in the Haruta district overlooking the Pacific Ocean, pigs are raised slowly and without stress in a spacious, comfortable environment. The barns provide ample space for the pigs to move freely, and it is this nurturing environment that supports the superior meat quality of this brand pork. The most distinctive feature lies in the feed: each pig is given more than 200 liters of whey (milk serum). Whey is a byproduct of the cheesemaking and dairy manufacturing process — a nutrient-rich liquid containing abundant minerals and lactic acid bacteria. The plant fat-based feed also incorporates powdered Hidaka kombu kelp from Hokkaido, with absolutely no animal-based fats used. This dedicated rearing approach produces a pork with a gently clean, refreshing finish to the fat. The lean is moist and tender, and the fat carries an elegant sweetness — a pork with a strong local reputation for deliciousness. Shipping age is set at the longer-than-usual 190–210 days, allowing the meat quality to develop fully at a slow, unhurried pace. Annual shipments are limited to just 50 head — the rarity itself is one of this brand’s great appeals. It was selected as a ‘Kita no High-Grade Food’ by Hokkaido in fiscal year 2010, earning wide recognition as a brand pork representing Hokkaido. Processed products including sausage, bacon, and ham are also available, allowing the umami of the pork to be enjoyed in a variety of forms.
Basic Information
- Name
Hidaka no Whey Buta - Production Area
Shinhidaka Town, Hidaka District, Hokkaido - Management Body
Hidaka Pork Co., Ltd. - Breed / Crossbreeding
Not specified - Meat Characteristics
Gently mild fat with a clean finish, moist and tender lean with a refined sweetness. - Feed Characteristics
Over 200 liters of whey per pig plus powdered Hidaka kombu kelp in a plant-oil-based feed. No animal fat used. - Shipping Age
190–210 days - Annual Production
Approx. 50 head/year - Signature Dish
Not specified - Certifications
Hokkaido “Northern High-Grade Food” selected (fiscal year 2010) - Related URLs
HPA Hokkaido Pork Producers Association – Hidaka Pork
Hidaka Regional Promotion Bureau – Northern High-Grade Food
Hidaka Whey Buta HIDAKA-PORK - Source
Brand Pork Guidebook 2026 p.24
HPA Hokkaido Pork Producers Association
Hidaka Regional Promotion Bureau
Hidaka Whey Buta HIDAKA-PORK
Last updated
June 19, 2026