Calbee Co., Ltd. will release “Kappa Ebisen Sesame Oil Flavored Seaweed Salt Flavor,” a new version of its long-selling “Kappa Ebisen” snack known for the slogan “You can’t stop eating it!”, starting April 27, 2026 at convenience stores nationwide for a limited time. Sales at other retail channels will begin from May 11, 2026.
“Kappa Ebisen,” launched in 1964, has been a staple snack for more than 60 years, originally inspired by “fried river shrimp,” a favorite of Calbee founder Takashi Matsuo. Over the years, the brand has introduced multiple seaweed-based variations, including seaweed and wasabi flavor (1996), Korean seaweed flavor (2002), and sesame oil-scented seaweed salt flavor (2020).
The combination of seaweed and salt has been a popular direction for the brand since 2021, when “Nori Shio Aji” was introduced as a summer flavor. Building on this success, the 2026 relaunch arrives in the fresh green season, enhancing the aroma and taste profile to match spring and early summer demand.
The new product uses two types of seaweed—green laver and roasted seaweed—combined with fragrant sesame oil to create a richer, more savory taste experience. The aroma and depth of flavor are designed to enhance the shrimp base, delivering a highly addictive snack profile.
The packaging features a bright green seaweed-inspired design that evokes early summer, while visually highlighting the key ingredients of seaweed and sesame oil to communicate the flavor profile.
The product will be available in a 64g pack at an open price, with an estimated retail price of around 170 yen including tax. Availability begins April 27, 2026 at convenience stores nationwide, followed by other retail outlets from May 11, 2026. Availability may vary by store.
