As wheat prices soar, Japanese food industry pushes rice flour as alternative

Rice noodle dishes at Tridor's new restaurant in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

With Russia's invasion of Ukraine causing wheat prices to soar worldwide, the food industry is looking more at rice as a possible substitute for making flour.

Unlike wheat, which has to be imported, rice is less susceptible to price fluctuations in Japan, and restaurant chains and food manufacturers are seeing the grain leading to new business opportunities.