New Kimchi Flavored Cheddar Cheese Snacks by Natori
As the chilly autumn transitions into winter, Natori Co., Ltd. has unveiled two delightful variations of their beloved snack, Chitarra. On October 20, the
Chitarra® Kimchi flavor will be launched, while the
Smooth Chitarra® Kimchi flavor (Refrigeration Required) will become available on October 13. These limited-time offerings are certain to tempt taste buds this season!
Background on Development
The Chitarra snack has been one of Natori's long-standing favorites, offering the convenience of being storable at room temperature, making it easy to enjoy at any time. Recently, the company introduced a chilled variant known as
Smooth Chitarra®, which has been well received by fans. With more people turning to home drinking, there has been a rising demand for snacks that double as appetizers alongside drinks as well as satisfying treats.
For the autumn and winter months, Natori is excited to release the
Kimchi-flavored Chitarra® and the
Smooth Kimchi-flavored Chitarra®. While many might associate spicy flavors with summer dishes, there is a growing belief that during colder months, we seek warm and spicy foods to heat up our bodies. The combination of cheese and kimchi has been celebrated in numerous dishes, creating a harmonious duo of flavors.
Overall, Natori aims to deliver a joyful and exciting snacking experience suitable for pairing with drinks or enjoyed as a sweet treat.
Unique Features of the Products
- - Recreation of Kimchi Flavor
The
Chitarra recreates the distinct taste of kimchi, characterized by its gentle spiciness and the unique flavor of chili pepper. The seasoning that mimics the flavor of kimchi is mixed thoroughly with cheese, giving consumers a strong sense of the delicious taste of kimchi.
- - Cheese Combination Enhancing Kimchi Flavor
The
Chitarra® Kimchi flavor combines rich cheddar cheese and smooth tasting samso cheese, whereas the
Smooth Chitarra® Kimchi flavor blends cheddar with creamy cheese to enhance the essence of kimchi.
- - Perfect Pairing of Kimchi and Cheese
Kimchi's sharp spiciness complements the rich flavor of cheese, particularly since both are fermented foods. This dynamic duo elevates the taste experience, and the garlic found in kimchi serves as an excellent accent.
Insights from the Product Developer
Q. What is your main point of focus during development?
As someone who personally loves the combination of cheese and kimchi, I often incorporate it into my cooking. By capturing this flavor combination, I wished to create a product that many people can enjoy. The appeal lies in the rich taste created by the blend of kimchi's spice with the smoothness of cheese. The lingering richness after sampling is also something I wanted to make sure to recreate. I hope everyone enjoys it!
Q. Do you have suggested recipes for serving?
Since last year, we've been presenting a recipe called
Cheese Shabu-Shabu to enhance the experience of shabu-shabu, which has gained great popularity. The
Chitarra® Kimchi flavor can serve as an exquisite complement to the beloved
Kimchi Hot Pot, enhancing the overall flavor. Enjoy it on its own as a snack or turn it into a delightful meal with
Cheese Shabu-Shabu— a win-win!
Product Details
| Product Name | Chitarra® Kimchi Flavor | Smooth Chitarra® Kimchi Flavor (Refrigeration Required) |
|---|
| --- | ---- | ----------- |
| Package Size | 55g | 24g |
| Suggested Retail Price | 378 yen (tax included) | 151 yen (tax included) |
| Release Area | Nationwide (supermarkets, GMS, convenience stores) | Nationwide (supermarkets, GMS, refrigerated cheese section at convenience stores) |
| Release Period | Convenience stores: October 20, 2025 – March 29, 2026; Others: November 3, 2025 – March 29, 2026 | Convenience stores: October 13, 2025 – April 26, 2026; Others: November 3, 2025 – April 26, 2026 |
The
Smooth Chitarra® with its creamy texture and rich flavor is the perfect companion for solo drinkers seeking high-quality snacks.