Convenience-store survival guide
Konbini are open 24/7 and everywhere — your reliable fallback. But labels are Japanese-only and “safe-looking” items hide bonito dashi, gelatin, lard or wheat. Pick your diet for what to grab, what to check, and what to skip.
Plant-only is the hardest at konbini — most savoury items hide dashi, egg or meat — but you won't go hungry.
Usually safe to grab
- Salted rice ball (塩むすび)
- Edamame (枝豆)
- Cut fruit & whole fruit
- Roasted nuts (素焼きナッツ)
- Unsweetened soy milk (無調整豆乳)
Check the label first
- Onigiri — kombu/ume can still use bonito dashi (かつお)
- Salads — dressing and toppings
- Mochi & wagashi — some contain gelatin (ゼラチン)
- Bread — usually has milk & egg
Usually not for you
- Okaka / tuna-mayo onigiri (おかか・ツナ)
- Fried chicken (唐揚げ), oden, most bento
- Egg sandwiches (卵サンド)
How konbini labels work
Japan requires labels for 8 allergens (egg 卵, milk 乳, wheat 小麦, buckwheat そば, peanut 落花生, shrimp えび, crab かに, walnut くるみ) on packaged food only — not loose or hot-counter items. Scan the 原材料 (ingredients) list and watch for hidden animal terms: かつお (bonito), 出汁 (stock), ゼラチン (gelatin), ラード (lard), 豚・牛・鶏 (pork/beef/chicken).
7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart are broadly similar and open 24h in cities; Lawson’s “Natural Lawson” carries more plant-based items. Loose hot-counter food is unlabelled — treat it with caution.
Recipes and labels change often — always read the current 原材料 (ingredients) list before buying.