#Japan #Tokyo #Food Waste #Oisix #UPCYCLE

Oisix Launches 'Zaku Potato Chips' to Battle Food Waste

In a bid to tackle the significant issue of food waste, Oisix has unveiled its latest product, the 'Zaku Potato Chips (Consomme Flavor)', which will hit the shelves starting October 30, 2025. This innovative snack is produced by Upcycle by Oisix, a brand dedicated to creating upcycled products from food that would otherwise go to waste.

Background on Oisix's Upcycle Initiative

Founded in 2021, the Upcycle by Oisix brand is focused on reducing food waste by giving new life to agricultural byproducts that are often overlooked—such as potato skins, imperfect vegetables, and in this case, scraps from onions. So far, they have processed around 154 tons of food waste, a significant accomplishment, and are continually expanding their range of unique products.

According to the Ministry of the Environment, food waste in Japan amounted to an estimated 4.64 million tons in 2023 alone. This staggering figure highlights an urgent societal issue. Oisix aims to confront this challenge head-on by launching food products that emphasize sustainability without compromising on taste or quality.

The Allure of Texture in the New Snack

The 'Zaku Potato Chips' are part of Oisix's popular 'Texture Series', which has seen over 600,000 units of its previous chip product—the 'Bari-Bori Chips' made from unconventional baked sweet potatoes—sold since its launch in 2024. Focusing on creating snacks that are fun to eat is essential, and customer feedback on this series has underscored a fascination with texture, enhancing the overall snacking experience.

These new potato chips are made using dried scraps from onion production facilities, integrating onion cores and tough outer skins, offering a unique umami flavor that enhances the chip's taste. The balance of flavors is achieved through careful cooking techniques, ensuring that the chips don’t become burnt or bitter due to excess onion content. The result is a delicious, environmentally friendly snack that caters to health-conscious consumers.

Product Details

• - Product Name: Zaku Potato Chips (Consomme Flavor)
• - Weight and Price: 20g, priced at ¥181 (incl. tax)
• - Texture: Crunchy and satisfying, made from high-quality domestic potatoes, potato starch, and onion flakes, creating a robust snack experience.
• - Cooking Method: Chips are initially baked at high temperatures and then fried to provide an extra crunch, completed with that distinctly savory consomme seasoning.
• - Availability: While online sales on Oisix's platform start from October 30, 2025, the chips will also be available in selected physical stores starting November 3, 2025.

For more details and to purchase, visit the Oisix website.

Sustainability at the Core

Oisix has a strong commitment to environmental and social responsibility, emphasizing sustainable retail practices as part of its operations. They aim to educate consumers while providing delicious meal kits and innovative food solutions that minimize waste. Their partnerships have expanded to include 65 organizations working towards the shared goal of reducing food loss and creating more sustainable consumption patterns.

In conclusion, the launch of the 'Zaku Potato Chips' represents a meaningful step towards addressing the larger conversation around food waste. As we look to incorporate more sustainable habits into our diets, products like these offer a simple yet effective solution—tasty snacks that contribute to a healthier planet.


For more information on Oisix and their initiatives, visit Oisix's official site.