Last Updated: 2026-05-19
Your Usual Supermarket and Konbini Shelves Are About to Change
If you regularly grab a cup of instant noodles or a bag of chips at the konbini, your receipt might look a little different starting in June. On June 1, 2026, prices for 559 food items are set to rise across Japan. This month (May) saw just 61 items, so June’s count is nine times higher. Many of the products are everyday staples you probably buy without thinking, like Calbee potato chips and Myojo cup noodles.
This article covers the main products affected, how much prices are going up, and practical ways to keep your grocery bill in check.
TL;DR
- 559 food items will see price increases from June 1, 2026, up sharply from just 61 in May
- Calbee is raising prices on 17 products including Potato Chips and Jagabee. Jagabee jumps about 32%
- Myojo Foods is hiking instant noodles, cup noodles, and soup by 6–12%
- Snacks, instant noodles, and protein products sold at konbini and supermarkets are the main targets
- Rising costs for raw materials (potatoes, wheat, cooking oil) are driving the increases
Disclaimer: This article is based on Teikoku Databank’s survey (published April 30, 2026) and official press releases from Calbee and Myojo Foods. Prices are as of May 19, 2026.
Key Products Going Up in June
Calbee Snacks (From June 1 Delivery)
Calbee announced in February 2026 that the following products would see price increases starting with June 1 deliveries:
| Product | Current Price (Est.) | June Price (Est.) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potato Chips Usushio (55g) | ~¥160 | ~¥170 | ~6% |
| Pizza Potato (60g) | ~¥180 | ~¥190 | ~6% |
| Jagabee Usushio (75g) | ~¥280 | ~¥370 | ~32% |
(Source: Calbee Price Revision Notice (February 2, 2026))
Potato Chips are going up by about ¥10 per bag, but Jagabee is jumping roughly ¥90. If you’re a Jagabee fan, stocking up in May can save you some money.
Instant Noodles and Cup Soup (From June 1 Shipments)
Myojo Foods is raising prices across its instant noodle, cup noodle, and cup soup lineup:
- Products with suggested retail prices: 6–10% increase
- Open-price products: manufacturer shipping price up 9–12%
(Source: Myojo Foods Price Revision Notice (Effective from June 1, 2026 shipments))
Other Affected Items
June’s price hikes also cover protein products, chocolate snacks, and more. At 559 items, this is the second-largest monthly increase in 2026 so far.
(Source: Teikoku Databank Food Price Survey, May 2026)
Why Are So Many Prices Going Up in June?
Part of the jump is a rebound from May’s unusually low count (61 items), but there are three main drivers:
1. Raw Material Costs Keep Climbing
Calbee cites rising potato prices as a key factor. International prices for wheat and cooking oils also remain elevated.
2. Hormuz Strait Tensions Are Raising Logistics Costs
The ongoing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz since early 2026 have affected not just crude oil prices but also packaging materials and plastic products. Higher costs for food packaging film and transportation eventually get passed on to consumers.
(Source: MUFG Bank "Impact of Hormuz Strait Blockade on Global Economy" (April 3, 2026))
3. Higher Electricity and Gas Bills Add Pressure
Starting in May, the renewable energy surcharge was raised to a record ¥4.18/kWh. This increases factory production costs, which manufacturers pass through to product prices.
May’s electricity and gas price increases and June’s food price hikes share the same root cause: rising energy costs. With both grocery and utility bills going up, it helps to plan your household budget with both in mind.
5 Ways to Keep Your Grocery Bill Down
You can’t stop the price increases, but smart shopping can soften the impact:
1. Stock Up on High-Increase Items Before June
Products like Jagabee with a big price jump (32%) are worth buying in May if you have the storage space.
2. Switch to Private Brand Products
Store brands like Seven Premium (7-Eleven), Topvalu (AEON), and Minna no Okashiya-san (Lawson) are often priced lower and tend to delay price increases compared to national brands.
3. Check Drug Store Food Sections
Stores like Welcia, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and Cosmos often sell snacks and instant noodles cheaper than supermarkets or konbini.
4. Use Supermarket Apps and Points
Apps like iAEON (AEON) and linking Rakuten Points at Seiyu can give you effective discounts on everyday purchases.
5. Know What’s NOT Going Up
Not everything is getting more expensive. Rice, eggs, and seasonal vegetables tend to have more stable prices. Cooking at home with these staples is one of the most effective ways to manage food costs.
Related: Our Konbini Food Guide covers the best value items you can find at Japanese convenience stores.
FAQ
Q. Will prices keep going up after June?
A. Most likely yes. According to Teikoku Databank, food price increases are expected to continue throughout 2026, though the number of affected items varies by month. The outlook for July onward will be announced around the end of June.
Q. Are konbini bento and onigiri going up too?
A. As of June 1, konbini bento boxes and onigiri are not among the main items being repriced. However, if raw material costs continue rising, adjustments could come later.
Q. Is Calbee’s monochrome packaging related to the price increase?
A. No, they’re separate. The black-and-white packaging is a cost-saving measure on ink, while the price increase is due to rising ingredient costs. Read more in our Calbee monochrome packaging article.
Q. Which items have the biggest price jumps?
A. Jagabee stands out with an approximately 32% increase. Myojo’s cup noodles are also notable at up to 12% (based on shipping prices).
Key Takeaways
- ✅ 559 food items are going up on June 1. Everyday snacks and instant noodles are the main targets
- ✅ Stock up on items with large increases (like Jagabee) before June to save on the price difference
- ✅ Private brand products and drug store food sections often offer the same quality at lower prices
- ✅ Rising energy costs are the root cause of food price hikes. Managing your budget across both groceries and utilities is key
