Flavor: Kobe Beef
Country: Taiwan (found in USA)
When Seen: December 2023
In a Bite: A heavy dose of MSG
In a Haiku: Poor man’s luxury. Kobe beef without the beef. Welcome umami.
Origin Story: Kobe beef is one of the most expensive and luxurious varieties of meat, with its distinctive marbled flesh. With prices ranging from $20 to $50 per ounce (roughly 28 grams), this beluga caviar of the grasslands is out of reach of most people. Seeing an opening in the market, the Lay’s Flavor Department has sought to democratize yet another luxury food. Although, you might as well just pour a packet of monosodium glutamate on your tongue.
