Calbee Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) is releasing a renewed version of its shaped potato chip snack "Crisp" — the new 'Crisp Beef Consommé' flavor — nationwide from Monday, April 20, 2026. This marks the first renewal of the consommé variety in the lineup's history.
※ "Crisp" refers to molded potato chips made from dehydrated potato flakes pressed into a shaped dough, as opposed to chips sliced directly from fresh potatoes.
Background and Development History
Calbee first launched tube-packaged "Potato Chips Crisp" in August 2016 as part of its efforts to energize the shaped potato chip market. In March 2024, the product was redesigned into a bag format and rebranded as "Crisp," reducing packaging material weight by approximately 80% to achieve greater resource efficiency. Switching to bags also eliminated the need to align chips inside tubes, allowing for improved seasoning methods that reduced uneven flavoring and made the aftertaste more enjoyable.
Since October 2025, randomly inserted star-shaped "Hoshi-gata Crisp" chips have been included in packs, adding a fun element of discovery for fans.
The previous "Umami Consommé" flavor was known for a well-balanced blend of meat and vegetable umami. With this renewal, the focus shifts to a deeper beef umami and stronger spice character, delivering a richer, longer-lasting flavor from start to finish. The flavor name has also been updated to "Beef Consommé," and the packaging now features brown color bands along the top and bottom to evoke the image of beef.
Product Features
- Satisfying crunch: "Crisp" offers a characteristic "zaku-zaku" crunchy texture from its mashed potato chip base, making it a filling snack.
- Bold, rich flavor: 'Crisp Beef Consommé' enhances the umami of meat to match the robust potato base, delivering a satisfying flavor experience all the way through.
- Refreshed packaging: The flavor name is now "Beef Consommé," with brown-toned color bands on the bag's top and bottom designed to evoke the richness of beef.
Note on product types: Standard "Potato Chips" like the salted variety are made by slicing fresh potatoes and deep-frying them directly. "Crisp," on the other hand, uses dried potatoes mashed into flakes, which are then shaped and fried — a different ingredient and process that results in a distinct flavor, appearance, and texture. This type is also known as a molded (shaped) potato chip.
Product Details
| Product Name | Crisp Beef Consommé |
| Contents | 45g / 105g |
| Price | Open price (estimated retail price: approx. ¥140 / ¥260 including tax) |
| Launch Date / Sales Area | Monday, April 20, 2026 / Nationwide ※ Actual availability may vary slightly by retailer. ※ Not all stores will carry the product; some may sell out and discontinue. |
X (Twitter) Campaign
Calbee's official PR account on X (@calbee_PR) is running a campaign: follow the account and repost the Crisp campaign post for a chance to win prizes.
- Period: Monday, April 20, 2026, 12:00 PM to Sunday, April 26, 2026, 11:59 PM
- Winners: 500 people
- Prizes: Crisp original clear file and 16 bags of 'Crisp Beef Consommé'
