Calbee, Inc. will release “Jagabee Authentic Dashi Fragrant Umami Salt Flavor” in limited quantities at convenience stores nationwide starting Monday, February 9, 2026, while supplies last. This product marks the first collaboration between Calbee’s Jagabee and Ninben Co., Ltd., a katsuobushi specialty store founded in 1699.
Product Overview
“Jagabee Authentic Dashi Fragrant Umami Salt Flavor” brings together the natural sweetness of whole potatoes—cut with the skin on—with the refined aroma and umami of Honkare Katsuobushi Powder supervised by Ninben. By respecting the potato’s inherent flavor and texture, the product delivers a light, crispy bite that allows authentic dashi to shine.
This product contains 0.06% Ninben Honkare Katsuobushi powder.
Development Background
Jagabee has long been loved for its ability to highlight the true taste of potatoes through simple seasoning and a distinctive crunchy texture. To elevate this philosophy further, Calbee partnered with Ninben to deepen the role of dashi as a supporting, yet essential, element.
Drawing on Ninben’s centuries-old expertise in katsuobushi craftsmanship, Calbee selected Honkare Katsuobushi powder as the core umami ingredient. Over approximately three months of development, repeated trials were conducted to balance the elegant aroma of katsuobushi with the gentle sweetness of potatoes. The result is a refined salty flavor with a clear, lingering umami that unfolds like freshly brewed dashi.
Product Features
- Uses Ninben’s Honkare Katsuobushi Powder, known for producing a clear, champagne-gold dashi with deep umami
- Simple salt seasoning that enhances both potato sweetness and dashi aroma
- Light, crispy Jagabee texture that respects the integrity of whole potatoes
- 80g resealable package, ideal for sharing or relaxed personal enjoyment
Package Design
The package design is inspired by Ninben’s iconic indigo noren and the golden hue of dashi. Jagabee characters Potta and Katsuo appear on a wave-pattern background, blending tradition with a playful, modern Japanese aesthetic.
