Japanese convenience stores (Konbini) are not merely convenient shops. They are hubs of trends where new sweets and snacks appear almost every week.
Today, Monday, February 9, 2026, the long-awaited new flavor “Potato Maru (Buttered Potato Flavor)” from Japan’s popular snack series “Potato Maru” has arrived. It is being released in advance at convenience stores nationwide.
Easy to eat in bite-sized pieces and featuring a texture that changes rhythmically in your mouth, this snack is a unique product that symbolizes Japan’s “snacking culture.”
The Triple Texture of “Crisp, Crunch, and Melt”
Japanese people place great importance not only on the “taste” of food but also on its “texture.” The reason Potato Maru attracts so many fans lies in its unique textural changes.
This snack is made using a unique method where potato dough is finely cut and then solidified into bite-sized pieces. This creates a three-stage texture unlike any other.
- The Moment (Crispy): When you first put it in your mouth, there is a light “crispy” crunch.
- The Change (Crunchy): As you chew, it changes to a pleasant “crunchy” texture.
- The Aftertaste (Melt-in-the-mouth): Finally, the dough gently unravels and “melts” in your mouth.
This gradation of texture never gets boring. The rhythm and comfort of chewing this snack help busy modern people relieve stress and switch their mood (Refresh).
The round, rolling shape is cute to look at, and it is easy to pick up with your fingers. The very act of popping one into your mouth will likely become a small refreshment ritual.
Two Types to Suit Your Lifestyle
This new product is available in two packages to suit different eating scenes. Japanese products are characterized by being designed with careful consideration for user convenience.
Potato Maru (Buttered Potato Flavor) Cup Type
A cup-type package that fits easily on an office desk or in a car drink holder. You can eat it immediately after opening the lid, and it keeps your hands clean. It is perfect for “snacking while working” or during transit.
- Content: 55g (1.94 oz)
- Price: Open price (Estimated retail price: around 168 yen incl. tax / approx. $1.15)
- Release Date & Area:
- Monday, February 9, 2026: Convenience stores nationwide
- Monday, March 2, 2026: Supermarkets nationwide, etc.
Potato Maru (Buttered Potato Flavor) 6-Bag Pack
This type contains six small, single-serving bags. In Japan, there is a culture of “Oso-wake” (sharing) snacks with friends and colleagues, making this kind of individual packaging very useful. If you stock up on these, they are convenient as snacks for children or for when you get a little hungry.
- Content: 108g (18g × 6 bags) / 3.8 oz (0.63 oz × 6)
- Price: Open price (Estimated retail price: around 319 yen incl. tax / approx. $2.20)
- Release Date & Area: Monday, March 2, 2026: Supermarkets nationwide, etc.
Don’t Miss the Classic “Light Salt Flavor”
Along with the arrival of the new flavor, make sure to check out the existing classic flavor, “Usushio (Light Salt) Flavor.” The mellow saltiness using “Hanamo-shio” (Japanese Sea Salt) from Setouchi brings out the sweetness of the potato. Because it is simple, the quality of the ingredients and the fun of the texture are conveyed directly.
Potato Maru (Light Salt Flavor) 6-Bag Pack
- Content: 108g (18g × 6 bags) / 3.8 oz (0.63 oz × 6)
- Price: Open price (Estimated retail price: around 319 yen incl. tax / approx. $2.20)
- Release Date: Currently available at supermarkets nationwide, etc.
Potato Maru (Light Salt Flavor) Cup Type
- Content: 55g (1.94 oz)
- Price: Open price (Estimated retail price: around 168 yen incl. tax / approx. $1.15)
- Release Date: Currently available at supermarkets nationwide, etc.
A “Bite” of Healing for Your Busy Days
“Potato Maru” has continued to evolve since its debut in 2019. The new “Buttered Potato Flavor” is an all-around flavor that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
It hits shelves at convenience stores starting today, and sequentially at supermarkets from next month. If you visit Japan and see it in a store, please pick it up and taste the new sensation of the “Crispy, Crunchy, Melt” experience. Your usual break time might turn into a slightly special refreshment time.
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