Hidaka no Whey Buta

Raised in the land of Hidaka, Hokkaido — a distinctive brand pork born of whey and Hidaka kombu.

Hidaka no Whey Buta is a Japanese brand pork (meigara-buta) from Shinhidaka Town, Hidaka District, Hokkaido, managed by Hidaka Pork Co., Ltd.

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 Harutachi 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 no animal-based fats used at all.

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.

The shipping age is set at the longer-than-usual 190–210 days, allowing the meat quality to develop fully over time. Annual shipments are limited to just 50 head — the rarity itself is one of this brand’s great appeals. It was selected as a ‘North 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
  N/A
• 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
  N/A
• Certifications
  Selected as a Hokkaido ‘North High-grade Food’ (fiscal 2010)
• Related URLs
  HPA Hokkaido Pig Farmers Association – Hidaka Pork
  Hidaka Regional Promotion Bureau – North High-grade Food
  Hidaka Whey Buta HIDAKA-PORK
• Source
  Branded Pork Guidebook 2026, p.24
  HPA Hokkaido Pig Farmers Association
  Hidaka Regional Promotion Bureau
  Hidaka Whey Buta HIDAKA-PORK

Last updated
6/19/2026