The name was based on the fact that it is sprinkled on top of rice, therefore 'gomashio' (sesame and salt) used for sekihan (steamed rice with red beans) and 'yukari' which is dried, and cut beefsteak plant that was pickled with plums, are also included in furikake.
ご飯にふりかけて食べるのが名前の由来である事から、赤飯などで使う「ゴマ塩」や、梅干しを漬けた後のシソを乾燥させて細かくしたもの「ゆかり(ふりかけ)」なども、ふりかけの仲間に入る。