Two next-gen Asian food brands are teaming up: Laoban, the modern Asian frozen food brand, and Bachan’s, the original Japanese Barbecue Sauce brand, have joined forces to launch Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken with Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce. The new limited-edition product is available now at select Whole Foods Market stores nationwide and will continue through January 2026.

Suitable as a snack, appetizer, or quick meal, Laoban x Bachan’s Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken combines Laoban’s crispy, bite-sized chicken with the umami flavors of Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce.

“This is the first-ever collaboration for Laoban, and it felt like such a natural fit,” says Patrick Coyne, co-founder and CEO of Laoban. “Bachan’s Japanese Barbecue Sauce has such a rich, authentic flavor, and it’s the perfect complement to our Taiwanese-style popcorn chicken. We wanted to create a dish that’s easy to prepare at home, without sacrificing the quality and flavor that our customers expect.”

“At Bachan’s, we’ve always been inspired by the tradition of sharing meals that bring people together, so it’s exciting to collaborate with Laoban on this special collaboration,” said Justin Gill, founder and CEO of Bachan’s. “Laoban’s devotion to craft and heritage pairs with our own, and this Taiwanese popcorn chicken featuring Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce is a true celebration of flavor and culture. We’re excited to bring comfort and joy to the table this holiday season.”

This launch arrives at a moment when Asian flavors are breaking into the mainstream. In the past year, Laoban has expanded to over 8,000 retail locations and has seen exponential growth at Whole Foods Market, the company says. Meanwhile, Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauces can be found in over 25,000 stores nationwide. This reflects demand for global flavors: the U.S. market for international foods is projected to nearly double by the early 2030s, with frozen Asian favorites like dumplings already generating several billion dollars in annual sales, Laoban adds.

 “At Whole Foods Market, we love when food tells a story,” says Chris Manca, principal category merchant at Whole Foods Market. “This collaboration between Laoban and Bachan’s celebrates heritage and craft in a way that feels both authentic and approachable, giving our customers a taste of the cultural creativity shaping the food world today.”

Related: Laoban expands frozen line with takeout-inspired dishes