A Cult-Favorite Japanese Snack Is Finally Coming to the U.S.

One of my favorite cold weather cuisines is Japanese food. Nothing beats curling up with a hot bowl of miso soup on a rainy day, slurping spicy ramen when I’m feeling stuffy and under the weather, or treating myself to shabu shabu when I need some warming up. And while I love my frozen fried rice from Trader Joe’s, I can only eat it so many times before I crave something new. Luckily, a fan-favorite Japanese product is finally making its way to freezer aisles in the United States, and I know it’s the upgrade my fall menu has been waiting for.

Ajinomoto Hane-Stlye Gyoza Lands in U.S. Stores

Japanese food fans, this one is for you: Ajinomoto Foods North America (AFNA) is finally bringing Japan’s number one hane-style gyoza to U.S. consumers nationwide. Ajinomoto’s Hane-Style Gyoza is a dream for all types of foodies, whether you’re a lazy cook or a global gourmand. Each dumpling features restaurant-quality ingredients, so it’s no wonder these are Japan’s top-rated dumplings.

Known for its signature crispy “hane”—the dumpling’s delicate, lacy “skirt” that forms when cooking—each gyoza features a lightly crisp, golden-brown bottom plus a thin wrapper stuffed with tender, meaty filling. The gyozas are packed with savory, umami flavor and can be easily pan-fried in just 10 minutes. And even though there’s no oil required for cooking, Ajinomoto still delivers dumplings that are crispy, juicy, and flavorful.

Although this is the first time Ajinomoto’s frozen gyoza are rolling out for an extended stay in American markets, other gyoza varieties from the brand have been available on and off at some Asian supermarkets in the U.S., and have received rave reviews online.

“I highly recommend the Ajinomoto gyoza,” wrote one Reddit user who found a coveted bag at Costco in 2024. “These are the easiest fried dumplings I have ever made…It’s amazing, like magic!”

“So good and our family favorite,” another user added in the thread before noting, “We are Japanese and highly recommend!”

The new hane-style dumplings will be available in two varieties: pork and chicken. Regardless of your preferred filling, each gyoza features premium proteins, fresh vegetables, and classic seasonings like cabbage, garlic, and onions to enhance the signature umami flavor.

From Oct. 1 on, shoppers can stock up on Ajinomoto’s authentic hane-style gyoza at Albertsons and Walmart stores nationwide. A larger rollout to Kroger, Wegmans, and other leading American grocers is planned for later this fall.

Each bag contains approximately 14 dumplings and retails around $7.99, making them a perfect snack, shareable side, or even a convenient main course for busy weeknights. As someone who loves a good dumpling but can never cook them just right, you’d better bet I’ll be stocking up. The only question? Which flavor to try first.