Karl
Born in 1968, Japan’s first snack. Choose from two classic flavors.
Recommended for these people and occasions
Product overview
Karl was Japan's first snack launched by Meiji on July 25, 1968. At a time when sweets were commonly thought of as only sweet treats, it pioneered a completely new category as a light snack to enjoy year-round. The distinctive puffy, rounded shape and light, crispy texture created by puffing domestically produced corn grits with a proprietary method have been Karl's greatest characteristics unchanged for over 57 years.
Currently, two classic flavors are offered. The flagship "Cheese flavor" features a rich taste from a blend of six cheeses, while the "Light flavor," developed in 1971 for Kansai customers, features a deep umami from a triple Japanese broth of kombu, clam, and shiitake. Since nationwide sales ended in 2017, it is now a rare snack limited to western Japan, attracting attention domestically and internationally due to its scarcity in Kanto and Tohoku.
Product features
Unique fluffy and crispy texture
Corn grits (domestically produced)The puffy, rounded shape created by puffing domestically produced corn grits with proprietary technology offers a light texture. The non-fried method reduces greasiness, making it easy to eat many pieces.
Commitment to real ingredients
Unchanged quality since launchThe cheese flavor has used real cheese since launch. The light flavor uses real kombu, clam, and shiitake extracts. Both maintain a manufacturing method that values the natural umami of the ingredients.
A classic loved for over 57 years
1968–PresentA long-selling product loved across generations from parents to children. Along with the Karl Uncle packaging, it is a national snack deeply rooted in Japanese food culture.
Rare product limited to western Japan
2017–Present Western Japan onlyAfter nationwide sales ended in 2017, it is sold only in western Japan. It is rare and hard to find in stores in Kanto and Tohoku, and is sought after from all over Japan and overseas.
🧀 Cheese flavor vs 🍜 Light flavor - Flavor comparison
| 🧀 Cheese flavor | 🍜 Light flavor | |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor characteristics | Rich flavor and umami of 6-blend cheese | Elegant Japanese broth of kombu, clam, and shiitake |
| Net weight | 64 g | 68 g |
| Energy | 324 kcal / bag | 335 kcal / bag |
| Protein | 4.5g | 4.4g |
| Fat | 15.2g | 14.0g |
| Carbohydrates | 42.5g | 47.9g |
| Equivalent salt content | 1.2g | 1.2g |
| Year of birth | 1968 | 1971 |
| Recommended for | For cheese lovers and those who prefer rich flavors | For those who prefer light, Japanese-style broth |
Ingredients
| Classification | 🧀 Cheese flavor | 🍜 Light flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Main ingredient | Corn grits (domestically produced) | Corn grits (domestically produced) |
| Fats and oils | Vegetable oil and fat | Vegetable oil and fat |
| Main seasoning | Cheese seasoning (6-blend), cheese powder, whey powder, creaming powder | Kombu seasoning, clam extract seasoning, shiitake extract powder |
| Others | Sugar, salt, flavored oil | Salt, flavored oil |
| Additives | Cellulose, seasoning (amino acids, etc.), emulsifier, flavoring, paprika coloring, sweetener (licorice) | Cellulose, seasoning (amino acids, etc.), trehalose, acidulant, emulsifier, antioxidants (V.C, V.E), sweetener (licorice), flavoring |
Allergy Information
| Category | 🧀 Cheese flavor | 🍜 Light flavor |
|---|---|---|
| Specified ingredients | Shrimp, crab, wheat, egg, milk components | Shrimp, crab, wheat, egg, milk components |
| Equivalent substances | Soybeans, pork | Soybeans |
⚠️ If you have allergies, please check the flavor you select before consuming.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
QIn which areas are Karl Cheese and Light flavors sold?
ANationwide sales ended in 2017, and it is now sold only in western Japan (Kyoto, Shiga, Nara, Wakayama, Hyogo, Osaka, Tottori, Okayama, Shimane, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Kagawa, Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Okinawa).
QWhen was Karl created?
AKarl was released on July 25, 1968 (Showa 43). Initially, there were two flavors: cheese and chicken soup, with a suggested retail price of 70 yen. The light flavor was added in 1971 (Showa 46).
🌱 Brand Story
Karl was launched on July 25, 1968, pioneering a completely new category of snack foods in Japan, where the common perception was that sweets meant only sweet treats. Meiji developed it with the idea of "a snack to enjoy all year round to satisfy small hunger," experimenting with various ingredients before settling on corn. The distinctive puffy, curled shape was born from the developer's determination to modify the hot dough outlet despite the risks. The cheese flavor has used real cheese since its launch, and the light flavor was developed in 1971 for customers in the Kansai region as a Japanese-style flavor. Although nationwide sales ended in 2017 and it is now limited to western Japan, it remains a beloved national snack across generations.
- Store away from direct sunlight and high temperature and humidity.
- Consume promptly after opening.
- Please check the indicated expiration date before consuming.
- Keep out of reach of children.
