7-Eleven Japan (a major “Konbini” or convenience store chain) has significantly renewed its popular cold noodle series for the spring and summer seasons. These products will be launched sequentially at stores across Japan starting April 7, 2026. For this renewal, the recipes for the “Dashi” (savory soup stock) and the noodle manufacturing processes were reconsidered from scratch, resulting in a high-quality lineup that defies the typical expectations of convenience store meals. In particular, the traditional Japanese “Zaru Soba” has been enhanced to bring out the umami of bonito dashi to its highest level ever.
Concentrated Umami! Features of “Stone-Milled Buckwheat Zaru Soba with Fragrant Pole-Caught Bonito Dashi”
The most noteworthy item this time is the “Stone-Milled Buckwheat Zaru Soba with Fragrant Pole-Caught Bonito Dashi.” “Zaru Soba” refers to traditional Japanese Soba (buckwheat noodles) that are eaten cold by dipping them into a “Tsuyu” (a dashi-soy sauce-based dipping sauce).
The standout feature of this product is the “Bonito Dashi” used in the sauce. It uses “Katsuobushi” (dried, fermented bonito flakes) made from bonito caught via pole-and-line fishing off the coast of the Maldives, processed without ever being frozen. Non-frozen bonito has a lower fat content, allowing the natural umami of the fish to be conveyed directly. This version uses the highest amount of Katsuobushi in 7-Eleven’s history, offering an incredibly rich and savory experience.
Basic Product Data
- Product Name: Stone-Milled Buckwheat Zaru Soba with Fragrant Pole-Caught Bonito Dashi
- Price: 398 yen (approx. $2.65 USD) / 429.84 yen including tax (approx. $2.87 USD)
- Release Date: Sequentially from April 7
- Sales Area: Nationwide Japan (excluding some regions)
The noodles are made with buckwheat flour carefully ground using stone mills, preserving the rich, natural aroma of the ingredients. Additionally, “Hogushi-mizu” (loosening water) is included to be poured over the noodles just before eating. This ensures the noodles stay fresh and can be easily separated with chopsticks even after some time has passed.
Unique Stickiness! “Chilled Bukkake Soba with Rich Dashi-Mixed Tororo”
The “Chilled Bukkake Soba with Rich Dashi-Mixed Tororo” is a popular menu item for health-conscious customers. In this renewal, the “Tororo” (grated mountain yam) topping has been completely refreshed.
The key feature is that the mountain yam is grated with its skin intact. This enhances the natural, robust flavor and the unique “neba-neba” (sticky and slimy) texture that is highly prized in Japanese food culture. The harmony between the rich dashi and this Tororo creates a deep, satisfying flavor profile.
Basic Product Data
- Product Name: Chilled Bukkake Soba with Rich Dashi-Mixed Tororo
- Price: 490 yen (approx. $3.27 USD) / 529.20 yen including tax (approx. $3.53 USD)
- Release Date: Sequentially from April 7
- Sales Area: Nationwide Japan (excluding some regions)
The Perfect Slurp! “Smooth-Slurping Chilled Bukkake Udon”
For fans of Udon (thick, white wheat noodles), the “Smooth-Slurping Chilled Bukkake Udon” is the top recommendation. The manufacturing process for the Udon noodles was fundamentally overhauled for this update.
Specifically, the “Koshi” (the firm, elastic texture) of the noodles has been further strengthened. At the same time, the surface smoothness of the noodles was improved to pursue a perfect “Nodogoshi”—the pleasant sensation as the noodles slide down the throat. It is a refreshing dish perfect for hot days when the temperature rises.
Basic Product Data
- Product Name: Smooth-Slurping Chilled Bukkake Udon
- Price: 350 yen (approx. $2.33 USD) / 378 yen including tax (approx. $2.52 USD)
- Release Date: Sequentially from April 7
- Sales Area: Nationwide Japan (excluding some regions)
New Dual-Texture Design! “Hiyashi Chuka” (Cold Ramen) Series
Starting April 14, “Hiyashi Chuka” (chilled Chinese-style noodles topped with various ingredients and a tangy dressing), a staple of the Japanese summer, will join the lineup. It comes in two sizes, regular and mini, both featuring significantly improved noodle quality.
The newly adopted noodles feature a unique design with different textures on the outside and inside. The exterior is smooth and silky to the tongue, while the interior offers a firm, bouncy elasticity. This two-stage texture matches perfectly with the tangy sauce, allowing you to enjoy the flavor of the wheat with every bite.
Basic Product Data
- Product Name: Smooth-Slurping Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen)
- Price: 550 yen (approx. $3.67 USD) / 594 yen including tax (approx. $3.96 USD)
- Product Name: Smooth-Slurping Mini Hiyashi Chuka
- Price: 398 yen (approx. $2.65 USD) / 429.84 yen including tax (approx. $2.87 USD)
- Release Date: Sequentially from April 14
- Sales Area: Nationwide Japan (excluding some regions)
Evolution Driven by Customer Feedback
This renewal was completed by reflecting actual customer opinions and a desire to stay close to the daily lives of users. The development team revisited raw materials and manufacturing methods, facing customer requests head-on to create this new lineup.
From every drop of dashi to every single strand of noodle, the new cold noodle series is a result of meticulous dedication. Whether you are visiting Japan or looking for a high-quality, convenient lunch, be sure to experience this evolution at a 7-Eleven store.
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