With rising prices in Japan, this is enticing news for those looking to save wisely on lunch expenses. FamilyMart, a major Japanese convenience store (konbini), will launch two products in its “Affordable Pasta” series, achieving overwhelming cost performance at 298 yen excluding tax (321 yen including tax; approx. $1.99 USD / $2.14 USD), at stores across Japan starting Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
The Joy of Choosing “One More Item” for Under 500 Yen! A New Dining Style Proposed by the New Series
Until now, the mainstream price for pasta sold at Japanese convenience stores was in the 400 to 500 yen range (approx. $2.67 to $3.33 USD). However, FamilyMart is introducing new products that overturn this common wisdom.
The two varieties appearing this time are “Mentaiko (Spicy Pollock Roe) Pasta” and “Soy Sauce and Dashi Peperoncino.” Both are priced under 300 yen excluding tax—a surprising price point given Japan’s current price levels.
The most significant feature of this series is the use of a “handy size” with intentionally reduced noodle portions. Rather than completing a meal with just one plate of pasta, it is designed for “combination buying,” allowing you to freely pair it with other menu items such as:
- Adding a salad for nutritional balance
- Adding “Famichiki,” Japan’s popular fried chicken, for extra satisfaction
- Enjoying a dessert after the meal
The high degree of freedom to customize your meal according to your mood or physical condition of the day matches today’s diversifying eating styles.
Umami of Dashi and Spicy Kick! The Commitment to “Mentaiko Pasta”
First to note is “Mentaiko Pasta,” which boasts enduring popularity as a Japanese-style (Wafu) pasta.
- Product Name: Mentaiko Pasta
- Price: 298 yen (321 yen including tax; approx. $1.99 / $2.14 USD)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
- Release Region: Nationwide in Japan (excluding Okinawa Prefecture)
This pasta is based on “dashi” (a fundamental soup stock in Japanese cuisine made from kelp and bonito), used generously with a mentaiko sauce that provides a spicy accent. The deep richness of the dashi and the spicy tingle of the mentaiko harmonize exquisitely, creating an appetizing finish. The topping of shredded nori seaweed adds an aroma of the sea, further elevating its quality as a Japanese-style pasta.
Despite its compact size (perfect for a lighter meal of a few ounces), it offers a satisfying flavor that will be useful not only for lunchtime but also as a snack when you’re slightly hungry.
A Japanese-Style Impact Finished with Shiro Dashi Soy Sauce! “Soy Sauce and Dashi Peperoncino”
The other lineup is “Soy Sauce and Dashi Peperoncino,” a Japanese arrangement of an Italian classic.
- Product Name: Soy Sauce and Dashi Peperoncino
- Price: 298 yen (321 yen including tax; approx. $1.99 / $2.14 USD)
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
- Release Region: Nationwide in Japan (excluding Okinawa Prefecture)
While peperoncino is characterized by the strong aroma of garlic and oil, FamilyMart has added “Shiro Dashi Soy Sauce” to the mix. By adding the fragrance of soy sauce and the umami of dashi, the flavor has been adjusted to be very easy to eat and palatable to the Japanese palate.
While retaining the punchy flavor unique to peperoncino, the incorporation of Japanese elements makes it a dish that can be enjoyed by a wide range of generations. Despite the low price, various efforts have been made to ensure there is no compromise on taste.
Overwhelming Support from Female Customers in Kanto Area Test Sales
In fact, prior to the nationwide launch, this “Affordable Pasta” series underwent pre-sales at approximately 1,000 stores in the Kanto area (including Tokyo). The results showed a very positive response.
It was reported that the series received high praise, particularly from women and customers who purchase side dishes together with their pasta. Following this success, the expansion to approximately 16,100 FamilyMart stores across Japan (excluding Okinawa Prefecture) was finally decided.
The move to a nationwide rollout is a result of capturing local needs, and its high quality has already been proven. The lineup of this low-priced pasta is expected to expand sequentially in the future, raising further expectations.
Head to FamilyMart on April 28! The Start of a New Lunch Experience
In the challenging environment of rising prices, such corporate efforts are very welcome for consumers. Combining a 298-yen pasta with your favorite side dish or salad to create your own original set—this new way of enjoying lunch is sure to become a future trend.
“Low price” does not mean “inferior taste.” Please try and see for yourself the authentic flavor that focuses on the umami of dashi.
The release date is Tuesday, April 28, 2026. It will be available at FamilyMart stores across Japan, excluding Okinawa. We invite you to experience this new lunch option created by Japanese convenience stores.
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