Mildly sweet, soft and chewy, mochi is a traditional Japanese food created by pounding rice into a paste. With a variety of flavors and colors, it appeals to many tastes and preferences. The food is most commonly used in traditional Japanese desserts and sweets, but is also an ingredient in soups such as Oshiruko and Chikara Udon.
Recently, this tasty treat crossed borders, gaining new popularity in the U.S. Typically served with ice cream or frozen yogurt, it has become a topping trend at New York City’s Pinkberry and Red Mango as well as Hawaii’s Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts. Even popular supermarkets like Whole Foods and Trader Joes are now stocking up on mochi and mochi ice cream. A tasty tradition turned trendy, mochi has infiltrated mainstream American markets and sweet-tooths are loving it!
Japanese Dessert Crazes
'More Mochi Please' Describes Reinvention of a Tasty Tradition
Trend Themes
1. Mochi Ice Cream Trend - There is a growing trend of mochi ice cream as a popular dessert option.
2. Cross-cultural Dessert Fusion - Mochi's popularity in the US showcases the opportunity for cross-cultural dessert fusion.
3. Expanding Market for Traditional Desserts - The increasing demand for mochi in mainstream American markets indicates a promising market for traditional Japanese desserts.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage Retail - Retailers like Whole Foods and Trader Joes can capitalize on the demand for mochi and mochi ice cream.
2. Frozen Dessert Industry - Mochi's popularity as a topping trend presents an opportunity for ice cream and frozen yogurt companies to incorporate it into their offerings.
3. Food Import and Distribution - There is potential in the import and distribution industry to bring mochi and other traditional Japanese desserts to new markets.