The Sweetfin Ingredient Guide:

Every Base, Protein, Topping & Sauce

Every Sweetfin dish starts with the same four building blocks: a base, a protein, fresh toppings, and a house-made sauce. This guide breaks down exactly what goes into each one - from sustainably sourced seafood to sauces crafted in-house - and why every ingredient earns its place. Whether it's a poke bowl, a burrito, or a plant-based creation, everything on the menu is 100% gluten-free.

Explore Our Menu
01
Bases & Sides
02
From The Sea
03
More Ways to Fuel
04
Fresh Vegetables & Produce
05
Sweet + bright
06
Sauces
07
Crunch
08
Finish

Bases & Sides

Sushi Rice

Lightly seasoned and delicately sticky, sushi rice is the classic poke base - soft enough to let the protein and sauce lead, with just enough vinegar to balance rich, bold flavors.

Ingredient details

Bamboo Rice

A vibrant green rice with a subtly sweet, aromatic flavor and a soft, sticky texture. Bamboo extract gives it its color and an earthy note that pairs well with brighter sauces.

Ingredient details

Forbidden Rice

A deep purple-black rice with a chewy bite and nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Its heartier texture makes it a favorite base for bowls built around bolder proteins and sauces.

Ingredient details

Cauliflower Rice

A lighter, lower-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice keeps its texture without overpowering the bowl - a clean, neutral base that lets toppings and sauce take center stage.

Ingredient details

Citrus Kale Salad

A simple base of kale tossed with shaved red onion, lightly dressed for brightness. Available as a base for any B.Y.O.B. bowl, or ordered as a fuller side with avocado, carrots, sesame seeds, and pepitas added.

Ingredient details

Kelp Noodle Slaw

Kelp noodles tossed with carrots and cucumber, finished with sesame seeds. Available as a base for any custom bowl, or ordered as a fuller side with napa cabbage and sesame mayo dressing added.

Ingredient details

From the Sea

Yellowfin Tuna

Lean, mild, and firm-textured, yellowfin tuna is Sweetfin's most-used protein - featured in the Classic, Spicy, and Sriracha Tuna Bowls. Sourced with a "pole to bowl" approach that prioritizes responsibly caught, sustainable seafood.

Ingredient details

Salmon

Rich and buttery with a naturally fatty texture, salmon pairs well with bold sauces like black garlic gochujang and creamy togarashi. Featured in the Gochujang Salmon Bowl and Keto Bowl.

Ingredient details

Albacore Tuna

A lighter, milder tuna than yellowfin, albacore is the base for the Mango Albacore and Truffled Yuzu Albacore Bowls - pairing well with brighter, citrus-forward sauces like ponzu lime and yuzu kosho.

Ingredient details

Why It All Works Together

Every Sweetfin dish is built on the same logic: a base for structure, a protein for substance, fresh toppings for texture and color, and a sauce to tie it all together. It's not a random assembly of ingredients - each combination is chef-driven, balancing richness with acidity, heat with crunch, so every bowl, burrito, or salad feels complete rather than just stacked.

More Ways to Fuel

Grilled Chicken

Sweetfin's newest protein, grilled chicken, anchors the Chicken Bowls lineup - from the Spicy Chicken Grain Bowl to the Chicken Banh Mi Bowl. A lighter, non-seafood option for those wanting the same bold sauces and toppings without the fish.

Ingredient details

Tofu

A plant-based protein featured in the Shiitake Chile Tofu Bowl and B.Y.O.B. Tofu options, tofu takes on the flavor of whatever sauce it's paired with - working especially well with classic sauce and chile oil for a spicier, umami-forward bowl.

Ingredient details

Sweet Potato

A naturally sweet, hearty plant-based option featured in the Sweet Potato Ponzu Lime Bowl and B.Y.O.B. Vegetable Bowl - pairing well with brighter, citrus-forward sauces like ponzu lime.

Ingredient details

Japanese Eggplant

A tender, mild-flavored eggplant that's the base of the Miso Eggplant and Mushroom Bowl, pairing with miso sesame shoyu sauce, shimeji mushrooms, and sundried tomatoes for an umami-rich, fully plant-based bowl.

Ingredient details

Fresh Vegetables & Produce

Avocado

Creamy and rich, avocado shows up across nearly every bowl style - from the Superfood Bowl to the B.Y.O.B. Vegetable Bowl - adding smooth texture that balances bold sauces and crunchy toppings.

Ingredient details

Cucumber

Cool, crisp, and hydrating, cucumber adds a refreshing crunch to bowls like the Keto Bowl and Yuzu Salmon Bowl, cutting through richer proteins and sauces.

Ingredient details

Carrots

A staple crunch-and-color topping, carrots appear in the Sweet Potato Ponzu Lime Bowl and B.Y.O.B. Vegetable Bowl, adding natural sweetness and texture.

Ingredient details

Edamame

Whole soybeans with a firm bite and mild, slightly sweet flavor, edamame adds plant-based protein to bowls like the Sweet Potato Ponzu Lime Bowl and High Protein Plant-Based Bowl.

Ingredient details

Jicama

A crisp, slightly sweet root vegetable, jicama brings a light, refreshing crunch to the Keto Bowl - a lower-carb alternative to starchier toppings.

Ingredient details

Napa Cabbage

Mild and tender with a delicate crunch, napa cabbage appears in the Sweet Potato Ponzu Lime Bowl and Kelp Noodle Slaw, adding volume without overpowering other flavors.

Ingredient details

Kale

Hearty and slightly earthy, kale is featured raw in the Superfood Bowl and sautéed in the Shiitake Chile Tofu Bowl - one of the few toppings served both ways across the menu.

Ingredient details

Asparagus

Featured in the Gochujang Salmon Bowl and Sriracha Tuna Bowl, asparagus adds a crisp, slightly grassy bite that pairs well with bold, spicy sauces.

Ingredient details

Bean Sprouts

Light and crunchy, bean sprouts appear in the Gochujang Salmon Bowl and Classic Tuna Bowl, adding texture without adding heaviness.

Ingredient details

Seaweed Salad

A savory, slightly briny topping made from seasoned seaweed, seaweed salad features in the Spicy Tuna Bowl and Classic Tuna Bowl, reinforcing the ocean-forward flavor of the fish.

Ingredient details

Shimeji Mushrooms

Small, delicate mushrooms with a mild umami flavor, shimeji mushrooms appear in the Superfood Bowl and Truffled Yuzu Albacore Bowl, adding earthiness without overpowering the fish.

Ingredient details

Shiitake Mushrooms

Meatier and more savory than shimeji, shiitake mushrooms are featured in the Gochujang Salmon Bowl and Shiitake Chile Tofu Bowl, adding a deep umami note to plant-forward bowls.

Ingredient details

Market Radish

A peppery, crisp root vegetable, market radish appears in the Chicken Banh Mi Bowl and Miso Eggplant and Mushroom Bowl, adding a sharp bite that balances richer sauces.

Ingredient details

Red Onion

Sharp and slightly sweet, red onion is featured in the Classic Tuna Bowl, adding a bright, pungent contrast to milder sauces like miso sesame shoyu.

Ingredient details

Fresh, Sourced, Gluten-Free

Fresh produce is delivered daily, and local sourcing is prioritized wherever possible. Seafood follows Sweetfin's 'pole to bowl' philosophy - responsibly sourced and cut fresh in-house. Every sauce is made from scratch on-site, using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, which is part of how the entire menu - every bowl, burrito, side, and drink - stays 100% gluten-free.

Sweet, Bright & Pickled

Mango

Sweet and juicy, mango adds a bright, tropical contrast to the Mango Albacore Bowl and Kids' Lil' Fish Bowl, balancing richer proteins and sauces with natural sweetness.

Ingredient details

Pineapple

Fresh pineapple brings a sweet, tangy pop to The Cali Bowl, pairing with house-made pineapple ponzu for a tropical, citrus-forward flavor profile.

Ingredient details

Fresno Peppers

A mild-to-medium heat chili, Fresno peppers add color and a gentle kick - most notably featured (pickled) in The Cali Bowl alongside pineapple and avocado.

Ingredient details

Sundried Tomatoes

Concentrated and slightly tangy, sundried tomatoes add a deep umami sweetness to the Miso Eggplant and Mushroom Bowl, balancing the dish's savory miso base.

Ingredient details

Pickled Ginger

A classic poke accompaniment, pickled ginger adds sharp acidity and a clean palate reset — featured across several bowls including the Superfood Bowl, Mango Albacore Bowl, and Truffled Yuzu Albacore Bowl.

Ingredient details

Pickled Fresno Chiles

Pickled for a tangy, mellowed heat, Fresno chiles feature in The Cali Bowl, adding brightness and a gentle kick alongside sweeter ingredients like pineapple.

Ingredient details

Pickled Carrots

Lightly pickled for a tangy crunch, carrots appear this way in the Chicken Banh Mi Bowl, cutting through the richness of truffle sriracha mayo.

Ingredient details

Sauce Is the Soul

Yuzu Kosho

A citrusy, subtly spicy sauce made from fermented yuzu and chili, yuzu kosho anchors both the Yuzu Salmon Bowl and Truffled Yuzu Albacore Bowl - bright and fragrant rather than heavy.

Ingredient details

Ponzu Lime

Clean and citrusy with a light tang, ponzu lime sauce is the base for the Sweet Potato Ponzu Lime Bowl and Mango Albacore Bowl - a refreshing, lighter option among Sweetfin's sauces.

Ingredient details

Pineapple Ponzu

A house-made blend of citrus ponzu and fresh pineapple, this sauce brings sweet-tangy balance to The Cali Bowl, pairing naturally with tropical toppings like pineapple and Fresno peppers.

Ingredient details

Sriracha Ponzu

Ponzu's citrus base gets a spicy edge from sriracha, featured in the Sriracha Tuna Bowl for a sauce that's tangy first, heat second.

Ingredient details

Spicy Mayo

A creamy, classic poke sauce with a mild kick, spicy mayo anchors the Spicy Tuna Bowl and Customize Your Burrito - rich enough to coat toppings without overwhelming the fish.

Ingredient details

Miso Sesame Shoyu

Savory and umami-forward, this shoyu-based sauce ties together the Classic Tuna Bowl, Miso Eggplant and Mushroom Bowl, and High Protein Plant-Based Bowl - one of the more versatile sauces on the menu.

Ingredient details

Black Garlic Gochujang

A Korean-inspired sauce built on fermented black garlic and gochujang, this one brings deep, complex heat to the Gochujang Salmon Bowl and Superfood Bowl.

Ingredient details

Spicy Garlic Lemongrass Ponzu

Ponzu's citrus base gets layered with garlic and lemongrass for a brighter, more aromatic heat - featured in the Spicy Chicken Grain Bowl and Chicken Banh Mi Bowl.

Ingredient details

Creamy Togarashi

A rich, creamy sauce spiced with togarashi (Japanese seven-spice), this one anchors the Keto Bowl, adding warmth without overpowering the cauliflower rice base.

Ingredient details

Truffle Sriracha Mayo

A drizzle-style sauce combining truffle and sriracha mayo, used to finish the Chicken Banh Mi Bowl for an earthy, slightly spicy top note.

Ingredient details

Classic Sauce

Sweetfin's original poke sauce, classic sauce pairs with chile oil in the Shiitake Chile Tofu Bowl for a simple, savory base that lets the shiitake and tofu lead.

Ingredient details

Sesame Mayo

A creamy, nutty dressing used in the Kelp Noodle Slaw, tying together the noodles, cabbage, and cucumber with a rich, sesame-forward finish.

Ingredient details

Sesame Dressing

A lighter, tangier sesame-based dressing (distinct from sesame mayo), featured in the Sesame Crunch Chicken Salad alongside chow mein noodles and almonds.

Ingredient details

Rooted in California

Sweetfin started in Santa Monica in 2015, when its founders brought the flavors of Hawaiian poke back from a trip to the islands and reimagined it with a California twist. That California-Asian identity still shapes every dish today - from sustainably sourced seafood and locally prioritized produce to bold, chef-driven flavor combinations that go beyond traditional poke. Now serving Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, Sweetfin remains a California brand at its core.

Bring the Crunch

Crispy Onion

Thin, fried onion pieces that add a savory crunch and light sweetness - featured in the Spicy Tuna Bowl and Customize Your Burrito.

Ingredient details

Crispy Garlic

Fried until golden and crisp, crispy garlic brings a punchy, savory bite to the Gochujang Salmon Bowl and High Protein Plant-Based Bowl.

Ingredient details

Macadamia Nuts

Buttery and rich, toasted macadamia nuts add substantial crunch to The Cali Bowl and Mango Albacore Bowl, pairing especially well with tropical, citrus-forward sauces.

Ingredient details

Cashews

Mild and slightly sweet, crunchy cashews top the Spicy Chicken Grain Bowl, balancing the heat of spicy garlic lemongrass ponzu.

Ingredient details

Almonds

Sliced almonds add a light, toasty crunch to the Sesame Crunch Chicken Salad, working alongside chow mein noodles for layered texture.

Ingredient details

Sesame Seeds

A finishing touch across many bowls, sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch - used in dishes like the Sesame Crunch Chicken Salad and Spicy Cucumber Salad.

Ingredient details

Wasabi Furikake

A seasoning blend combining wasabi with traditional furikake (sesame, seaweed, and salt), used to dust the homemade taro chips in the Sweetbox and Plant-Based Sweetbox.

Ingredient details

Crunchy Chow Mein Noodles

Fried until crisp, chow mein noodles add hearty crunch and volume to the Sesame Crunch Chicken Salad, standing up well against the sesame dressing.

Ingredient details

Herbs, Heat & Finish

Cilantro

Fresh and slightly citrusy, cilantro appears across several bowls including the Keto Bowl and Shiitake Chile Tofu Bowl, adding a bright herbal note that cuts through richer sauces.

Ingredient details

Mint

Cool and aromatic, mint adds an unexpected herbal lift to the Spicy Chicken Grain Bowl, balancing the heat of jalapeño and chili oil.

Ingredient details

Daikon Sprouts

Delicate and slightly peppery, daikon sprouts finish the Truffled Yuzu Albacore Bowl, adding texture and a subtle bite without overwhelming the truffle oil.

Ingredient details

Togarashi

A Japanese seven-spice blend with mild heat and citrus notes, togarashi seasons the Classic Tuna Bowl, adding warmth and complexity to the miso sesame shoyu base.

Ingredient details

Hijiki

A type of dried seaweed with a mild, briny flavor, hijiki tops the Spicy Tuna Bowl, reinforcing the bowl's ocean-forward character alongside the fish.

Ingredient details

Jalapeno

Sliced fresh for a clean, direct heat, jalapeño appears in both the Chicken Banh Mi Bowl and Spicy Chicken Grain Bowl, adding sharp spice without muddying other flavors.

Ingredient details

Chile Oil

A vibrant, spicy finishing oil, chile oil drizzles over the Shiitake Chile Tofu Bowl, tying the tofu and shiitake mushrooms together with concentrated heat.

Ingredient details

White Truffle Oil

Earthy and aromatic, white truffle oil finishes the Truffled Yuzu Albacore Bowl, adding a luxurious, savory depth that pairs with the bright yuzu kosho sauce.

Ingredient details
Sweetfin FAQs Section

FAQs

Yes. The B.Y.O.B. options let you mix and match any base, protein, topping, and sauce from across the menu - the categories on this page aren't fixed combinations, just a guide to what's available.

Sweetfin provides a full allergy and dietary menu, along with a nutrition binder covering every ingredient, base, sauce, and protein - useful if you're managing nut, soy, sesame, or shellfish allergies specifically.

It depends on the dish. Poke-style bowls (like the Classic Tuna Bowl or Yuzu Salmon Bowl) use raw, sushi-grade fish, while other menu items, like the chicken bowls - are fully cooked.

Core ingredients are available at all locations, but some items are seasonal or limited-time (like collaboration bowls or premium add-ons). Check your local menu or the app for what's currently available near you.

Sweetfin's chicken bowls and plant-based options - including tofu, sweet potato, and Japanese eggplant dishes are built with the same bases, sauces, and toppings as the seafood bowls, so you get the same flavor variety without the fish.

Try Our App Today

Sign Up, Get $5 off

We created Sweetfan Rewards to thank our most loyal guests for choosing us - and now you can order your favourite gluten free bowl, track your points, and earn rewards all in one place.

Earn rewards points onall orders placed throughthe app and in store
The more gluten free goodness you order, the more you earn - get a $10 credit for every $100 you spend.
Celebrate with a yearly $10 birthday credit, and much more.
Try Now