Japan’s beloved national potato chip, a favorite for 50 years, has been revamped! “Calbee Potato Chips: Nori Shio”

Hi, I’m Hakobouya, the Souvenir Promotion Captain for Kodawari Times.╭(·ᴗ·)╮╰(·ᴗ·)╯
When it comes to popular Japanese snack foods to bring home as souvenirs, Calbee potato chips are a must-mention. From the classic “Usushio (Light Salt)” flavor to “Consommé Punch,” “Crispy Potato Chips,” and regional flavors, there’s a wide variety to choose from.
Today, I’d like to introduce “Calbee Potato Chips: Nori Shio,” a favorite among Japanese people even within the classic series. This popular series, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, has been revamped to taste even better, so be sure to check it out.

What Are Calbee Potato Chips: Nori Shio?

“Calbee Potato Chips” is a long-running bestseller from Calbee, one of Japan’s leading snack manufacturers. “Calbee Potato Chips Nori Shio,” a classic flavor widely loved throughout Japan, celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 2026.

Following the “Usushio” flavor—released in 1975 as the first in the series—the “Nori Shio (Seaweed and Salt)” flavor debuted in 1976 as the second. It was created as a distinctly Japanese flavor by layering the familiar taste of nori—a seaweed beloved by the Japanese—over the “Usushio (Lightly Salted)” flavor, which was modeled after American potato chips.

For this relaunch, we’ve paid special attention to the nori’s texture and seasoning so you can enjoy its aroma right from the first bite—resulting in a flavor that brings out the nori’s deliciousness even more.
“Calbee Potato Chips: Nori Shio” come in three varieties: “Usugiri (Thin-Cut),” “Cho-Usugiri (Ultra-Thin-Cut),” and “the Atsugiri (Extra Thick-Cut),” so you can enjoy a nori flavor tailored to each chip’s unique texture.

The revamped “Calbee Potato Chips: Nori Shio” will be released nationwide in stages starting October 26, 2026. You can easily find them at convenience stores and supermarkets, so be sure to try them all and compare the flavors!

Compare Three Types of Nori-Shio!

This time, I tried a taste test comparing the three varieties of the newly relaunched “Calbee Potato Chips: Nori Shio.”

Calbee Potato Chips: Nori Shio (Itsumo no Usugiri)

The classic thin-cut variety has that quintessential potato chip crunch. The nori flavor spreads from the very first bite, and you’ll taste the umami of the dashi broth right after. We’re meticulous about the particle size of the nori, season it in two stages, and blend various particle sizes of aonori and aosa seaweed, so you can really savor the nori flavor.

Furthermore, we’ve switched the dashi umami source from scallop extract powder to bonito extract powder, which makes the umami flavor last longer.

Calbee Potato Chips Cho-Usugiri Nori Shio

These are ultra-thin potato slices fried in sunflower oil alone. They’re completely different from the usual thin-cut ones—you’ll enjoy a light, crispy texture.
The mild flavor of nori spreads across your palate, leaving a light aftertaste. I hear there’s even a hint of matcha in there. With such a light texture and flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for one after another.

Calbee Potato Chips the Atsugiri Nori Shio

This is the “Extra Thick-Cut” variety, featuring thick, jagged V-shaped cuts. The first bite offers a satisfyingly crunchy texture, and the seaweed flavor really packs a punch. We’ve adjusted the blend of green nori and roasted nori to bring out the natural flavor of the seaweed even more.
Plus, the aftertaste is accented by a secret blend of black pepper and chili pepper, making these a great snack to pair with drinks.

Let’s enjoy the new Nori Shio!

“Calbee Potato Chips: Nori Shio” let you enjoy different textures—Cho-Usugiri (ultra-thin), Itsumo no Usugiri (regular thin), and the Atsugiri (extra-thick)—along with the authentic Japanese nori flavor that complements each texture.

This relaunch is packed with the kind of attention to detail that only Calbee can provide, so if you spot the Nori Shio flavor, be sure to try comparing them side by side. The differences between them are quite distinct, so it’s fun to gather with friends and family, enjoy them together, and chat about which one you like best.
Be sure to pick up the new Calbee “Calbee Potato Chips: Nori Shio” at convenience stores and supermarkets across Japan.

Product Details

Product Name: Calbee Potato Chips: Nori Shio
Net Weight: 55g
Release Date / Sales Area: Monday, October 26, 2026 / Nationwide

Product Name: Calbee Potato Chips the Atsugiri Nori Shio
Net Weight: 55g
Release Date / Sales Area: Monday, October 26, 2026 / Nationwide

Product Name: Calbee Potato Chips Cho-Usugiri Nori Shio
Net Weight: 50g
Release Date / Sales Area: Monday, August 24, 2026 / Convenience stores nationwide
Monday, September 7, 2026 / Western Japan Area
(Shizuoka, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku-Shikoku, Kyushu, Okinawa) – Stores other than convenience stores
Monday, October 5, 2026 / Eastern Japan Area
(Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Koshinetsu) – stores other than convenience stores

*Actual release dates may vary slightly by retailer.
*Product availability may vary by store; some stores may not carry this item, or it may be sold out.

Calbee Official Website: https://www.calbee.co.jp/en/
The Story Behind the Development of “Nori Shio” Potato Chips: https://note.calbee.jp/n/n3731319c7d07
New TV Commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xC8Agk4RAQ