Japan’s convenience stores, or “konbini” as they are commonly known, are more than just 24/7 shops for necessities. They are treasure troves of culinary trends, high quality, and “affordable luxury.” Leading this charge is the major convenience store chain FamilyMart with its private brand “Famimaru.” Among its offerings, the premium line “Famimaru PREMIUM,” which focuses meticulously on ingredients and production methods, stands out.
On October 14, 2025, Famimaru PREMIUM will release a stunning lineup of four new and four renewed products that showcase the depth of Japan’s food culture and the evolution of its convenience stores. If you’re planning a visit to Japan, here’s a detailed look at the remarkable lineup you won’t want to miss.
Crafted from Scratch: The 4 Must-Try New Products
Let’s begin with the four brand-new items. Each one is a testament to FamilyMart’s dedication to quality.
1. Zeitaku Butter Cookie (Rich Butter Cookie)
The star of the show, this cookie took an astonishing 10 months to develop. The price is 358 JPY (tax included). Its secret lies in the use of 31% French fermented butter, a ratio comparable to high-end patisseries. The rich, aromatic fragrance upon opening the package and the delicate texture that is both crisp and melts in your mouth create a truly blissful experience. It’s a clear indicator of the new heights Japan’s convenience store sweets have reached.
2. Jikkuri Nikonda Goku-horo Buta Kakuni (Slow-Simmered, Super-Tender Pork Belly)
“Buta Kakuni” is a classic Japanese home-cooked dish where pork belly is slow-cooked in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. Priced at 435 JPY (tax included), FamilyMart has elevated this national comfort food to a premium level. The meat is so tender it falls apart with a gentle touch of chopsticks, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The flavor is refined with molasses from sugar beets grown in Hokkaido, giving it a deep, complex sweetness rather than just simple sugary notes. It’s a perfect and easy way to experience authentic Japanese home cooking.
3. Hakko Butter Kaoru Almond Financier (Aromatic Fermented Butter Almond Financier)
At 230 JPY (tax included), this is a treat for fans of French pastries. A financier is a small almond cake known for its browned butter flavor. This version uses carefully browned French fermented butter to maximize its nutty aroma and rich taste. The moist cake is beautifully contrasted by the crunch of toasted almonds on top, proving just how seriously Japanese convenience stores pursue authentic global flavors.
4. Geisha Coffee – 100% Geisha Beans
Coffee connoisseurs will know “Geisha,” one of the world’s most exclusive and expensive coffee beans, celebrated for its unique floral aroma and bright, tropical fruit-like acidity. It’s astonishing that a coffee made from 100% Geisha beans is now available at a convenience store for only 248 JPY (tax included). This cup of coffee proves that Japan’s konbini are no longer just about convenience; they are destinations for special experiences. (Note: This is a limited-quantity item.)
Reaching New Heights: 4 Beloved Products, Renewed and Refined
Alongside the new items, four existing fan favorites have been updated to be even more delicious.
1. Yawarakakugyu Shiyo Goku-uma Beef Curry (Extremely Delicious Beef Curry with Tender Beef)
Japan’s “curry rice” is a national dish that has evolved uniquely from its Indian and Thai counterparts. This European-style curry, priced at 450 JPY (tax included), is made with a rich demi-glace base. The renewal adds butter for extra richness and depth, while the spice blend has been tweaked for a more aromatic and authentic flavor profile.
2. Juwatto Nikujiru Kokusanbuta no Dai-Shumai (Large Juicy Shumai with Japanese Pork)
Shumai are a popular type of steamed pork dumpling. For 397 JPY (tax included), this product lives up to its name, bursting with a “juwatto” (juicy) explosion of meat juices with every bite. The large size and use of domestic pork make them incredibly satisfying. This renewal enhances the umami of the pork even further, making it a perfect main dish or a snack.
3. Washo no Ippin Azuki Monaka (Artisan’s Masterpiece Azuki Bean Monaka)
“Monaka” is a traditional Japanese sweet featuring azuki red bean paste sandwiched between two thin, crisp wafers made from mochi rice cake. This ice cream version (308 JPY, tax included) combines that classic with rich milk ice cream. For the autumn/winter season, the ice cream has been made even richer and creamier, perfectly complementing the sweet azuki beans from Hokkaido’s Tokachi region.
4. Marutto Hitotsubu Kuri Dorayaki (Dorayaki with a Whole Chestnut)
A favorite of anime characters, “Dorayaki” is another quintessential Japanese sweet made of azuki bean paste sandwiched between two pancake-like patties. This deluxe version (218 JPY, tax included) contains a whole, tender chestnut inside. In this renewal, the cake batter has been improved to create a fluffier, lighter texture that perfectly envelops the chestnut and sweet bean filling.
Japanese convenience stores are places of constant discovery. As FamilyMart’s “Famimaru PREMIUM” line shows, they offer genuine gourmet experiences at affordable prices. When you visit Japan, be sure to step into a FamilyMart and taste this incredible quality for yourself. It will be an unforgettable experience that makes your trip even richer and more delicious.
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