The Potato Chip-Flavored Cola Is Real -- Because Japan

Japan has a new unique product -- potato chip-flavored cola. Although there is no real demand for the beverage, a lot of people are curious about how it may actually taste like.

In 2015, game company Namco collaborated with Japanese potato chip company Calbee to create cola-flavored potato chips. Now, Namco is partnering with Kimura drink to do the reverse and create a potato chip-flavored cola.

Kotaku wrote that the new product will not be generally available in stores. Interested buyers can avail of the special drink within a limited period. It will be offered as an arcade game prize in Japan beginning March 18, 2016. Players at arcades and amusement park visitors all over Japan can win the potato chip-flavored cola.

In the past, Kimura Drink has a reputation of making unique cola flavors such as sweet potato, tomato, wasabi and even eel. Namco’s past food project, which came in the form of the cola-flavored potato chips, were sold in buckets instead of traditional snack bags. These were also offered as arcade game prizes and were also available for a limited period only.

Japan is home to several unique food fusions and bizarre snack selections such as snake-flavored ice cream and ranch dressing-flavored cola. Some creations by Japanese food companies turned out to be big hits such as Pepsi’s sakura cola, KitKat wasabi and KitKat green tea.

Namco is expected to do more food and drink collaborations in the future for their arcade games. Some of the unique creations have been trending well on social media sites, with videos featuring people’s reactions as they try the treats.

In other news, Bandai Namco also recently worked with GameStop for the surprise launch of “Slashy Souls,” a new mobile game available for iOS and Android devices. The new game was inspired by “Dark Souls,” although it is not directly related to the franchise. Gamers will notice the similarity in the gameplay in an endless runner category. Fans can use spells and weapons and will also face bosses that are similar to those who played “Dark Souls.” The game was released on Feb. 28, 2016 and has received a lot of positive reviews lately.