When you eat a sandwich, how do you feel about the “crusts”? Some people just want to eat the soft white part, while others love that savory edge. In Japan, this hard outer part of the bread is called “Pan no Mimi” (Bread Ears) because it resembles the shape of a human ear.
Typically, in high-quality sandwiches sold at Japanese konbini (convenience stores), these “ears” are cut off to prioritize texture. However, FamilyMart, one of Japan’s leading convenience store chains, is launching a surprising new product where these bread crusts take center stage.
It’s not just about reusing leftovers. They have been transformed into a magnificent feast called “Gratin”—toasted until golden brown, covered in rich sauce and cheese.
Embodying the Japanese spirit of “Mottainai” (a sense of regret concerning waste) and turning it into something “delicious,” this magical new gratin will be released exclusively in the Tokai area of Central Japan. This isn’t just news about a new product; it’s a heartwarming trend in Japan that combines the joy of eating with environmental consideration.
The “Ears” That Were Supposed to be Discarded Transform into a Gourmet Gratin
Starting Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the “Chicken and Mushroom Bread Gratin” will be available at approximately 2,500 FamilyMart stores in the Tokai area (Aichi, Gifu, Mie, and parts of Shizuoka prefectures).
The most distinctive feature of this product lies in its main ingredient. It uses the “bread crusts” generated during the production of FamilyMart’s popular sandwiches. Instead of simply mixing them in, they are toasted with butter to bring out a savory aroma and texture that only bread crusts can offer.
Just imagine: crispy, fragrant bread crusts soaked in a rich, creamy Béchamel sauce made with fresh cream. Added to this is a sauté of chicken, mushrooms, and onions, packed with umami, and finally, the whole dish is blanketed in melting cheese.
While piping hot gratin is exceptional on a cold winter day, this product offers a delightful contrast in textures thanks to the savory bread crust accents. It’s a satisfying dish that offers a different experience from gratins made only with soft bread.
Chicken and Mushroom Bread Gratin
- Product Name: Chicken and Mushroom Bread Gratin
- Price: 369 yen (398 yen including tax)
- Release Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
- Region: Tokai area, Japan (Aichi, Gifu, Mie, and parts of Shizuoka prefectures)
- Details: Uses bread crusts toasted fragrantly with butter flavor. A rich taste combining sautéed chicken, mushrooms, and onions with fresh cream Béchamel sauce and cheese.
1.5 Tons (Approx. 1.65 US Tons) Reduction Effect Born from “Mottainai”
The background of this product’s creation is FamilyMart’s goal of “Food Safety, Security, and Eco-Friendliness.” Since extremely soft textures are preferred for Japanese konbini sandwiches, many bread crusts are cut off during the manufacturing process. Development began with the idea of utilizing these effectively.
By selling this “Chicken and Mushroom Bread Gratin,” the estimated reduction in food loss during the sales period is expected to reach approximately 1.5 tons (about 1.65 US tons). This is a significant figure. A single meal purchased by a consumer simply because it looks “delicious” results in a contribution to the global environment. It is a wonderful system where you can participate in eco-activities deliciously and effortlessly.
There is a savoriness and texture that only bread crusts can provide. Proposing this not as a “compromise” but as “new value” demonstrates the high level of product development capability in Japanese convenience stores.
The Source of Deliciousness: Carefully Crafted Sandwiches
The “bread crusts” used in this gratin come from sandwich bread that FamilyMart has created with great care. In other words, if the base bread isn’t high quality, the crusts won’t be delicious either.
FamilyMart’s sandwiches use specially made bread. They are particular about the blend and manufacturing method, and they go so far as to slice the bread right before production. This achieves a moist softness felt the moment you open the bag and a smoothness that melts in your mouth.
Because such exquisite bread is used, the cut-off ears were also ingredients full of potential. Here, we also introduce the immensely popular sandwiches in Japan that are the source of these “ears.”
3 Kinds of Mixed Sandwiches
This is a staple product that many people choose if they get lost in the sandwich section of a Japanese konbini. It boasts top-class sales among FamilyMart’s sandwiches.
- Product Name: 3 Kinds of Mixed Sandwiches (3-shu no Mix Sand)
- Price: 298 yen (321 yen including tax)
- Region: Nationwide Japan
- Details: Tuna salad, ham & lettuce & cheese, and egg salad. A luxurious composition where you can enjoy these three types at once.
The umami of tuna, the saltiness of crisp lettuce and ham & cheese, and the gentle taste of egg salad. The fluffiness of the bread wrapping these ingredients highlights their deliciousness. The crusts of this high-quality bread return as the gratin.
Juicy Ham Sandwich
This is a very popular product that embodies “Simple is Best.” It is a dish stripped of non-essentials to allow you to taste the straight deliciousness of the ham.
- Product Name: Juicy Ham Sandwich
- Price: 297 yen (320 yen including tax)
- Region: Nationwide Japan (excluding Okinawa Prefecture)
- Details: Composed of pork ham, cucumber, and mayonnaise flavored with Japanese mustard (Karashi).
The umami of the pork ham spreads throughout your mouth. The texture of the cucumber and the spicy kick of the mustard mayonnaise act as accents, allowing you to eat it without getting tired. Being simple, it is also a product where the deliciousness of the bread itself stands out.
Visitors to the Tokai Area are Lucky!
Unfortunately, the “Chicken and Mushroom Bread Gratin” introduced here is a limited release for the Tokai area of Japan. Those living in Aichi, Gifu, Mie, and Shizuoka prefectures, or those planning to travel to this area during the period, are very lucky.
The usual sandwiches are great, but please enjoy the new potential of “bread crusts” born behind the scenes. Toasted fragrantly with butter and dressed in creamy sauce and cheese, they are no longer “leftovers.”
FamilyMart’s new work incorporates the serious theme of food loss reduction into an appetizing form. If you see it, please pick it up. Why not verify the underlying strength of bread crusts with your own tongue?
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