Calbee, a major Japanese snack manufacturer, is set to release a new product on February 2, 2026. The product is titled “Sapporo Potato Long Mentai Mayo Flavor.” This snack features a unique Japanese twist not only in its flavor but also in its packaging. An original “Manga” is actually printed on the inside of the package.
What is the Unique Japanese Flavor “Mentai Mayo”?
This product is the latest entry in the popular “Sapporo Potato Long” series. It is shaped like a stick and features a crispy texture similar to french fries.
The key to its taste is “Mentai Mayo.” This is a sauce that combines Mentaiko (Spicy Cod Roe, or pollock roe marinated in chili peppers) with mayonnaise. The combination of the spicy kick from the Mentaiko and the mellow acidity of the mayonnaise is extremely popular in Japan. This product recreates that Mentai Mayo flavor, offering a delicious taste that makes it hard to stop once you start eating.
The price is open, but it is expected to be sold in stores for around 170 yen (including tax). Sales are limited exclusively to “Konbini” (convenience stores) across Japan. Japanese Konbini are known as convenient places open 24 hours a day where you can find almost anything. This product will be available for a limited time until early March 2026. Look for the bright pink packaging inspired by Mentai Mayo on the shelves.
Turning Potential Trash into “Manga”
The most unique aspect of this product lies in its package design. Typically, the bag is thrown away as trash after finishing the snack. However, this product utilizes the space inside the package. When you open the bag, you will find a manga drawn on the inner film.
There are a total of 8 different manga strips. Eight popular creators have drawn original stories specifically for this snack. You won’t know which manga is inside until you open it. This creates a sense of excitement similar to the “Blind Box” toys often found with Japanese confectionery. It is a new endeavor that provides the joy of reading manga along with the pleasure of eating snacks.
Background of Development
The “Sapporo Potato” brand has released limited-time flavors tailored to the seasons in the past. This time, they focused on Mentaiko, an ingredient for which demand rises in the winter in Japan. This product, which allows you to enjoy Japanese pop culture—Manga—while eating a delicious snack, is also perfect as a treat during a trip to Japan. If you are interested, please be sure to visit a Konbini in Japan.
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