A Must-See for Tarako Butter Lovers! Mike Popcorn Tarako Butter Flavor, with the Umami of Tarako and the Addictive Richness of Butter, Limited Release Nationwide at Convenience Stores Starting July 13, 2026 (Mon)

Japan Fritolay Co., Ltd. (Calbee Group, Headquarters: Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, President and CEO: Hideki Ishibe), which manufactures and sells snack foods, mainly "corn snacks," will release "Mike Popcorn Tarako Butter Flavor," which features the umami of tarako and the addictive richness of butter, for a limited time starting July 13, 2026, exclusively at convenience stores. Stores other than convenience stores will begin a limited-time sale on August 10, 2026.

Product Features of "Mike Popcorn Tarako Butter Flavor"

"Mike Popcorn Tarako Butter Flavor" releases a gentle aroma of butter the moment you open the bag, allowing you to enjoy the moderate saltiness and umami of tarako, along with the lingering richness of butter. The addition of Japanese dashi umami creates depth in flavor, further enhancing the taste of tarako and butter. It has a mild and smooth taste that is easy for children to eat.

Enjoy the "tarako butter flavor," popular in snack foods, with the unique "fluffy! crispy!" texture of popcorn.

[Product Specifications]

Product Name: "Mike Popcorn Tarako Butter Flavor"

Net Weight (Calories)

Price

Release Date

Sales Area

45g

(233kcal per bag)

Open

(Estimated price around 165 yen including tax)

Convenience Stores:

July 13, 2026 (Mon)

Other than Convenience Stores:

August 10, 2026 (Mon)

Nationwide

*Actual release dates may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

*Availability may vary by store, and sales may end due to sell-outs.

[Product Development & Behind-the-Scenes Story]

Japanese Flavor is a Perfect Match for Popcorn! "Tarako Butter Flavor" Unique to Popcorn

We believe the key to a flavor that pairs well with popcorn dough lies in the "Japanese flavor," which is also the reason for the popularity of the classic "Butter Soy Sauce Flavor." The "tarako butter flavor" is familiar in households and is a popular flavor for snack foods. The Japanese tarako flavor, combined with the butter flavor that pairs well with popcorn, creates an addictive taste unique to popcorn. Furthermore, popcorn is rich in dietary fiber, which is a beneficial point for the body. We hope that everyone, including those who don't usually eat popcorn and fans of "tarako butter flavor," will try it on this occasion.

Shiitake Dashi Used as a Secret Ingredient

Based on the saltiness and umami of tarako and the richness of butter, the flavor tended to emphasize the strength of umami, lacking in flavor spread. Therefore, we considered using dashi as a secret ingredient to add depth to the taste. We tried dashi derived from the sea, such as bonito and kelp, but could not find the optimal ingredient to enhance both tarako and butter. So, we changed direction and adopted "shiitake" dashi, which enhanced both flavors without compromising them, resulting in a deep taste.

Person in Charge of This Product

Taro Deguchi, Marketing Department Brand Manager, Japan Fritolay Co., Ltd.

About "Mike Popcorn"

"Mike Popcorn" was born in 1957 as Japan's first popcorn brand and will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2027. It is the oldest branded popcorn and has established its position as a staple snack item in the Japanese market. In addition to the long-selling "Butter Soy Sauce Flavor" (released in 1983), which has been loved for many years, the company has released numerous original flavors and collaboration products, such as the new staple product "Mike Popcorn Caramel" released in September 2024.

Official Website: https://www.fritolay.co.jp/ourbrands/mike/

Popcorn is a Food Rich in Dietary Fiber

It is known that popcorn contains abundant dietary fiber. (※ Figure 1) With the growing consumer demand for health, the popcorn market is expected to grow by 157% (※1) in fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2019.

(※ Figure 1) Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan 2020 Edition (Eighth Revision) Per 100g of Edible Portion

Popcorn, Burdock root (boiled), Sweet potato (with skin/steamed), Brown rice (cooked), Lettuce (head/raw), Banana (raw)

(※1) INTAGE SRI+ Popcorn Market Cumulative Sales Amount April 2019 - March 2026

About Japan Fritolay

Our company was established in 1957 as the first popcorn manufacturing and sales company in Japan. Subsequently, Fritolay Japan Co., Ltd. was established in 1977, and it became a wholly owned subsidiary of PepsiCo in 1990. After changing its name to Japan Fritolay Co., Ltd. in the same year, it became a wholly owned subsidiary of Calbee, Inc. in July 2009, and continues to the present.

With flagship products such as "Mike Popcorn," "Doritos," and "Cheetos," the company holds the No. 1 share (※2) in the corn snack market category.

(※2) INTAGE SRI+ Corn Snack Market Cumulative Sales Amount April 2025 - March 2026