Kanro, the Japanese confectionery maker behind Kanro Ame and PureGumi, is releasing a new salt candy called "Meguru Ume Shio Candy" (めぐる梅塩キャンディ) on June 16, 2026 (Tuesday). The product will be available at convenience stores and station kiosks across Japan.
Upcycling Umezu: From Umeboshi Byproduct to Candy
As interest in food waste reduction and sustainability continues to grow, the new candy draws attention for its use of umezu — the liquid left over after making umeboshi (Japanese pickled plums). Rich in the natural essence of plums, umezu can also be used as a seasoning, but its high salt content has historically made it difficult to repurpose, leading to disposal in many cases.
Kanro has upcycled this byproduct into a candy that highlights the naturally refreshing sourness and mild saltiness of plum. The company has set a target of reducing food waste by 30% by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels, per unit of revenue). Previous products developed with a similar focus on reducing food loss include "Re Mikan Gummy," which uses fibrous pulp left over from squeezing Kiyomi oranges, and the "CYCLECUBE" and "Shizuku no Houseki Gummy" series, which incorporate syrups generated during dried fruit production.
The "Meguru Ume Shio Candy" continues this line of sustainability-conscious products.
A Timely Option for Summer Heat
With Japan's Meteorological Agency introducing the new classification "Severe Heat Day" (酷暑日) in April 2026 to describe days reaching 40°C or above, demand for salt candies has been on an upward trend. At the same time, some consumers have noted that existing salt candies can taste overly salty or too sweet.
The Meguru Ume Shio Candy addresses this by harnessing the natural plum-derived flavors of umezu to achieve a balance of light acidity and gentle saltiness — making it a more approachable choice for everyday salt replenishment. The candy is suited for a quick snack when craving the refreshing taste of plum, or as an easy way to top up salt intake during brief outings in the summer heat.
About the Heatstroke Prevention Call-Out Project
The product is also associated with the Heatstroke Prevention Call-Out Project (熱中症予防声かけプロジェクト), a nationwide initiative launched in 2011 that brings together local governments, public agencies, companies, and private organizations in a unified effort to raise awareness about heatstroke prevention. Guided by an executive committee that includes physicians and university professors, the project works toward eliminating heatstroke-related fatalities by encouraging people to look out for one another.
Product Details
- Product Name: Meguru Ume Shio Candy (めぐる梅塩キャンディ)
- Release Date: June 16, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Price: ¥149 (tax included, 8% consumption tax)
- Contents: 26g
- Available at: Convenience stores and station kiosks nationwide
- Features: A plum salt-flavored candy made with upcycled umezu
