Samyang Foods Launches Three New Buldak Potato Chip Flavors in Japan

Samyang Foods announced the launch of three new types of potato chips—Original Buldak, Four Cheese Flavors, and Habanero & Lime—to target the Japanese snack market. These new products under the globally popular Buldak brand aim to capture the savory and spicy flavors of Buldak Bokkeummyeon. The chips are sliced into 1.0-1.2 millimeter (mm) thick slices and fried at 180℃ for two minutes and 30 seconds for a crispy texture. The Original flavor features a blend of chili, habanero, red pepper, and black pepper. The Four Cheese Flavors combine mozzarella, cheddar, camembert, and gouda, while the Habanero & Lime flavor offers a spicy and refreshing taste. Each 55-gram pack is priced at USD 1.23 (JPY 198), compared to Calbee’s Hot & Spicy Potato Chips (55 g), which range at USD 3.82.

Fig 1. Buldak Potato Chips by Samyang Foods

Samyang Foods Targets Japanese Snack Market with Buldak Potato Chips, Anticipates Increased Market Influence and Record Net Income

Buldak Potato Chips are part of Samyang Foods' Buldak brand, which has sold over 5.7 billion units in more than 100 countries as of the end of 2023. These chips have garnered significant interest from major distribution channels in Japan, including large supermarkets such as Don Quijote, Life, Seiyu, and Aeon, as well as the leading drugstore Welcia. Samyang Japan aims to enter the Japanese snack market by distributing through about 2 thousand major channels. Furthermore, as of W28 2024, Buldak Potato Chips Original Flavor and Four Cheese Flavor are available at Seiyu (seiyu.co.jp) at USD 1.34 (JPY 215).

A Samyang Foods official stated that the company plans to expand the Buldak brand’s product line with the launch of the Buldak Potato Chips, target new customer segments, and increase its influence in the market.

It also anticipates that the new chips will become a must-have item for both domestic consumers and international visitors, similar to the previously successful Yakisoba Buldak Bokkeum Myeon.

Fig 2. Annual net income of Samyang Food from 2018 to 2023

The net income of Samyang Food amounted to USD 91.65 million (KRW 126.59 billion). Representing a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 57.7% compared to the previous year at USD 58.11 million (KRW 80.27 billion) and the highest net income recorded from 2018 to 2023. Samyang Foods projects continued growth with the launch of its three new flavors of Buldak Potato Chips, aiming to expand its product line and market reach, the company anticipates the new chips will drive further success.