In an ingredient analysis method and an ingredient analysis apparatus in accordance with the present invention, high-frequency power is supplied from a power source 4 while helium gas is supplied to an atmospheric pressure plasma source 2 disposed near a substance to be analyzed, whereby plasma 5 is generated, and the substance to be analyzed is exposed to the plasma 5 and emits light. The light is guided to a filter 7 and a photodiode 8 via an optical fiber 6 and subjected to photoelectrical conversion. The signal obtained by the photoelectrical conversion is sent to a controller 9. The controller 9 judges whether a specific element is present or not in the substance to be analyzed.