"You Can Tell Just by the Lid of Domestic Rice Makgeolli"…The Hidden Secrets Inside the Product

Orion 'Poca Chip' Differentiates 'Fresh Potatoes' and 'Raw Potatoes' by Origin
'Jangsu Saeng Makgeolli' Uses White Cap for Domestic Rice and Green Cap for Imported Rice

[Image source=Yonhap News]

"After conducting a blind test three times with my wife, we concluded that new potatoes are smooth and crispy, whereas raw potatoes are relatively thick and soft."

At first glance, they may seem the same, but upon closer inspection, differences are hidden. Even though they are the same product, some products slightly twist their packaging depending on the origin of the raw materials. Recently, it has become a hot topic online that Orion's potato chips, 'Pocachip,' are produced separately using domestic new potatoes and imported raw potatoes, sparking numerous posts comparing the taste of the two products.

Orion's 'Poca Chip New Potato' (left) made with domestic potatoes and 'Poca Chip Fresh Potato' made with imported potatoes.

According to the food industry on the 24th, Orion distinguishes the packaging of Pocachip into two types?'domestic new potatoes' and 'raw potatoes'?depending on the production period.

The difference between the two products lies in the origin of the potatoes, the raw material. According to Orion, from June to November each year, when potatoes are harvested domestically, products are made using domestic potatoes from places like Boseong in Jeollanam-do and Dangjin in Chungcheongnam-do, and released with the phrase 'domestic new potatoes.' Conversely, from December to May, when potatoes are not harvested domestically, potatoes sourced from the United States and Australia are used, and the packaging of these products is labeled 'raw potatoes.'

So, is there a difference in taste or quality between the two products? Regarding this, Orion states that the distinction was made solely to provide accurate information, and in principle, the two products are the same. An Orion representative explained, "We labeled the front and back clearly to inform consumers about the difference in the origin of the potato raw materials, but they are the same product," adding, "There is no difference in selling price or sales channels, and the cost of imported potatoes is actually higher." Since they are produced in the same factory through the same process, there is no difference in nutritional content or taste.

Also, although they are conveniently distinguished as new potatoes and raw potatoes, the potatoes used in both products are new potatoes harvested in the current year and are raw potatoes as well. It is interpreted that the distinction between 'new potatoes' and 'raw potatoes' was made to avoid using the terms 'domestic' and 'imported.'

For Pocachip's competitor, Nongshim's potato chips 'Potato Chip,' the origin of the ingredients also varies by season. Nongshim uses domestic potatoes from July to October, American potatoes from November to February, and Australian potatoes from March to June. Unlike Pocachip, the origin is not indicated on the front but can be confirmed on the back of the package.

'Jangsu Saeng Makgeolli (left)' made with imported rice and 'Jangsu Saeng Makgeolli' made with domestically produced rice.

Among Korea's representative Makgeolli brands, Seoul Jangsu's 'Jangsu Saeng Makgeolli' also distinguishes the origin of raw materials by the color of the cap. Currently, products made with domestic rice have white caps, while those made with imported rice have green caps. Especially, when the package design was renewed last year after 12 years, the product using imported rice was maintained as is, while the product using domestic rice was changed to a white label to enhance visibility.