On January 20, 2026, FamilyMart, a major Japanese convenience store chain, launched new products that defy conventional wisdom. Looking at the shelves of Japanese convenience stores, you’ll see more and more products labeled “plant-based.” Even though people understand that plant-based foods are healthier, many still feel that cookies loaded with butter taste better.
The latest addition to FamilyMart’s ongoing Blue Green Project brilliantly defies that stereotype. This eighth installment features three products, ranging from sweets to rice balls, that push the potential of plant-based ingredients to the limit. Let’s take a closer look at how Japanese convenience store products are evolving.
What is the “Blue Green Project” that satisfies both the planet and your taste buds?
Before introducing the products, let’s briefly explain this project. It is an initiative supervised by fashion designer Hiromi Ochiai, based on the concept of “doing what we can, little by little, to help the planet and be useful.”It initially began with the introduction of environmentally conscious cutlery (such as spoons and forks), but since 2023, it has continued to innovate in the food sector under the theme of “Delicious Plant-Based.”
The most distinctive feature of this project is that it not only focuses on being environmentally friendly, but also on achieving deliciousness. Once again, the lineup exceeds expectations.
Plant-Based Almond Sable
First up is the newly introduced “Plant-Based Almond Sable.” While the buttery aroma is typically crucial for this type of baked good, FamilyMart’s product development team challenged themselves to recreate that deliciousness using only plant-based ingredients.
The dough uses soy milk and contains no butter or eggs. Yet it delivers satisfying richness thanks to generously blended almonds and coconut. The nutty aroma that fills the air the moment you open the bag pairs perfectly with coffee. Maple syrup is used as the key sweetener. Instead of the sharp sweetness of white sugar, its rich, gentle flavor envelops the almonds’ depth.It’s the perfect guilt-free snack to enjoy during your work break.
The price for this product is 189 yen (approximately $1.30 USD). The release date is Tuesday, January 20, 2026. It will be sold at FamilyMart stores nationwide in Japan. As it is a limited-quantity item, we recommend purchasing it immediately if you find it.
Plant-Based Caramel Sand
Next up is the “Plant-Based Caramel Sand.” This product was first released in March 2025. Its high quality sparked buzz on social media, leading to its relaunch. It’s a popular sweet that surprises many with its truly plant-based nature.
It features a crunchy whole wheat flour base filled with rich caramel cream. While dairy is typically essential for caramel, this product uses alternatives like soy milk and coconut to achieve a depth and richness that defies its dairy-free nature. It strikes a perfect balance between the lightness often associated with plant-based sweets and the satisfying richness of caramel. It’s ideal for an afternoon snack or evening relaxation time.
The price for this product is 208 yen (approximately $1.40 USD). The release date is Tuesday, January 20, 2026. It will also be sold nationwide in Japan and is a limited quantity item.
Plant-Based Tantan-Style Rice Ball
Lastly, we introduce not a sweet, but an “Onigiri (Rice Ball)”. Onigiri is a Japanese soul food, popular as a convenient, portable snack. This time, it’s not just any onigiri; it features a spicy “Tantan-style” flavor. Please note, this product is only available in the Kanto Region (Tokyo and surrounding areas).
The “Plant-Based Tantan-Style Rice Ball” features rice infused with chili oil and sesame flavors, topped with soy meat filling. While some might associate soy meat with dryness, Japanese processing technology has advanced significantly.
The soy meat, seasoned with authentic Chinese condiments like sweet bean paste (Tenmenjan) and spicy bean paste (Tobanjan) for a rich, sweet-and-spicy flavor, is of such high quality it’s indistinguishable from meat. The piquant spiciness and deep umami blend perfectly with the rice in your mouth. It’s ideal not only as a main lunch item but also for a quick energy boost when you’re feeling peckish.
The price of this product is 192 yen (approximately US$1.30). The release date is Tuesday, January 20, 2026. It will be sold in Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka Prefectures (at select stores).
More accessible choices that are kind to the planet and your body
The eighth installment of the Blue Green Project features products that transcend their plant-based origins to deliver pure deliciousness, including the crispiness of the sablé cookies, the rich flavor of the caramel sandwich, and the punchy umami of the tantan-style rice balls.
Limited edition items in particular often sell out immediately after release. If you are staying in Japan or planning to visit, be sure to check out your nearest FamilyMart. Look for the blue and green project logo. Why not experience choices that are kind to your body and the global environment through delicious Japanese convenience store gourmet food?
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