Japanese Pringles: A Secret World of Flavor

We’ve talked about Japanese Kit-Kats, we’ve talked about Hi-chew, and we’ve done Pocky. We’ve talked a lot about the different sweet Japanese snacks that have captivated the world, but now, maybe you’re looking for something savory. How about Japanese Pringles?

“Wait, Pringles?” you ask. The stackable American potato chips that come in a can? You can get those where you are.

Today, we’re talking about Japanese Pringles. There’s a difference. Allow us to explain.

Just like Japanese Kit-Kats, Japanese Pringles operate with a revolving door of flavors. Since 1994, Kellogg’s Japan has come out with an annual arsenal crafted for the Japanese palate. We won’t bore you with the mainstays – salt, sour cream & onion, and cheese flavor. We know that you’re really here for the crazy flavors that make Japanese Pringles unique.

The Not-so-Ordinary Ordinary

These Pringles are the flavors that Japanese taste buds are used to. You can always find these flavors on the shelves of Japanese stores. For the most part, there’s nothing special about these chips except for these two (somewhat) special flavors – Triple Flavor Sour Cream & Onion and Seaweed.

For those that can’t get enough of the taste of Sour Cream and Onion, Japanese Pringles have you covered! There’s three times the flavor while still being low in salt! But if you’re looking for a more Japanese-tasting chip, might I suggest the Seaweed flavor? 

Seaweed is kneaded into the dough, packing it full of that umami (savory) flavor that everyone loves. Children can eat it as a snack and adults often enjoy it while drinking a nice alcoholic beverage!

Looking to enjoy the best of seasonal Japanese snacks and sweets at home! Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat sends a curated box full of the latest Japanese treats, including Japanese Pringles, for you to enjoy anytime, anywhere!

Region-Exclusive Flavors  

We know. We get it. You want to travel to Japan. You want to try all those delicious local delicacies that can only be found in the Land of the Rising Sun, but unfortunately, the borders have been closed (again).

 Luckily, you can go on a food adventure with the right collection of Japanese Pringles. From the cold north of Hokkaido to the warm south of Kyushu, Japanese Pringles have got you covered!

Starting in Hokkaido, Pringles have somehow captured the taste of scallops, rich butter made from Hokkaido dairy, and soy sauce, creating the Soy Sauce Butter Scallop chip that can only be found in, you guessed it, Hokkaido.

We mosey down to Tokyo where Pringles have developed a curry-flavored chip that combines the taste of onions with powerful spices, creating a special flavor reminiscent of a famous curry shop in Japan. Just one chip won’t be enough to satisfy your craving for this intricate flavor!

From the Tokai region comes a variation of an already true and tested classic, the Tebasaki (Japanese-style chicken wing) flavored Pringle! Mimicking the taste of chicken wings covered with a special sauce and spicy pepper flakes, this chip will have you adding Nagoya to your travel itinerary!

Right beside the Tokai region is an area well-known outside of Japan for its vibrant atmosphere, Kansai! There’s only one snack that could represent Kansai and – you guessed it – it’s Takoyaki (fried octopus balls)! Don’t worry. There’s no octopus in these Pringles (that we know of), but with the blend of Takoyaki sauce, Japanese mayonnaise, dried bonito, and pickled ginger, these chips will definitely have you thinking longingly of those octopus fritters.

Finally, we land on the island of Kyushu. Quite possibly the region with the most variation among its local delicacies, Pringles has decided to highlight an unusual Kyushu local food for their regional delicacy – mentaiko (pollack roe). Adding a moderate amount of spiciness to the unique seafood flavor of mentaiko, these Pringles are a perfect representative of Kyushu.

The Secret Stash

Okay, I know you’re feeling a bit confused. After all, one of the things that Japan is well-known for is its wacky flavors. Surely there are more out on the market.

And there are. Technically.

What we’ve just talked about above is the current line-up out on the market. Japanese Pringles usually go through an annual change, and flavors are constantly rotated in and out. You might have heard about the infamous Manhattan Clam Chowder Pringles or the mouth-watering Hawaiian BBQ flavor.

If you’re looking for a whole Japanese Pringles collection, you should head over to JapanHaul. They have two variations of the previous “Passport Flavors” line-up, Texas Ribs and Argentine BBQ, as well as Soy Sauce Instant Ramen Pringles and Karaage (fried chicken thigh) Pringles.

Have you eaten Japanese Pringles before? Did you like what you had? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below!