#Japan #Tokyo #Food Waste #Sustainable Food #FamilyMart

FamilyMart's Efforts to Combat Food Waste

In an exciting move to encourage sustainability, FamilyMart, based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, is set to launch two new products that utilize food scraps, specifically from their popular bento items. Starting May 6, 2025, customers can find the ‘Nakamaki Yaki-Saba’ rice ball for 165 yen and the ‘Salmon Zamanai Don’ bowl priced at 598 yen. These offerings are designed not only to reduce food waste but also to deliver flavorful meals to consumers.

The Sustainable Rice Ball: Nakamaki Yaki-Saba

The star of the show is undoubtedly the ‘Nakamaki Yaki-Saba.’ This rice ball incorporates leftover pieces from salt grilled mackerel, which are often discarded during the processing of FamilyMart’s bento dishes. It’s a great choice for sustainability-conscious consumers since it is made from approximately five tons of mackerel trimmings. The mackerel is shredded and expertly seasoned with dashi soy sauce and the umami of kombu, making it the perfect complement to the rice.

The rice used in this product is a thoughtful blend of ‘Koshihikari,’ renowned for its chewy texture and sweetness, and ‘Hitomebore,’ which balances flavor and texture perfectly. This combination ensures that each bite is fluffy and delicious, satisfying the palate while also contributing to waste reduction efforts.

The Salmon Zamanai Don: A Bowl Full of Flavor

Alongside the rice ball, FamilyMart is relaunching its well-loved ‘Salmon Zamanai Don,’ utilizing salmon scraps from sushi production. This seafood bowl features various textures and flavors with slices of silver salmon, off-cuts, belly trimmings, and marinated salmon, showcasing the diversity of salmon in every bite. It has received positive feedback from customers in previous releases and promises to delight again upon its reintroduction.

Fostering Awareness of Food Waste

The initiative stems from a growing awareness of food waste issues that impact the environment significantly. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan generates an estimated 4.72 million tons of food waste annually. FamilyMart is committed to addressing this issue head-on, encouraging customers to participate in sustainability efforts through simple yet effective choices when shopping—like opting for meals made with food scraps.

According to the product development team, “We wanted to develop products that offer deliciousness while being considerate of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). We’re confident that these products will resonate with our customers.