# Regional Grocer Porridge Products Dean & DeLuca Shiruko Comes in Two Flavor Options By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2024-12-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dean-deluca-shiruko References: [soranews24](https://soranews24.com/2024/12/24/dean-deluca-japan-is-releasing-its-first-ever-sakura-dessert-drink/) & [prtimes.jp](https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000602.000036230.html)  The [Dean & DeLuca shiruko](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deans-dip) is making its way to participating locations in Japan as a regional product that will provide customers with a comforting option to try out this winter. The product features a sweet bean jam porridge option and is arriving in a [matcha shiruko option](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mikuriya-matcha-drinks) that's crafted with matcha tea sourced from Uji in the Kyoto Prefecture. The menu item also comes in the [sakura shiruko flavor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lotteria-sakura-sweets-fair) that is inspired by cherry blossoms or sakura. The Dean & DeLuca shiruko is reported by the brand to feature ample sweet bean paste in the mix for a silky, rich consistency and are both served with shiratama in the cup, which are mochi dumplings for a touch of additional texture and sweetness. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 32% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Regional Flavor Innovation:** Utilizing local ingredients like Uji matcha tea enhances authenticity and resonates with cultural pride. - **Cultural Culinary Fusion:** Blending Japanese cuisine elements like shiratama dumplings into familiar products invites culinary exploration. - **Aesthetic Food Marketing:** Leveraging visually appealing themes such as cherry blossoms taps into aesthetic-driven consumption trends. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage:** Experimenting with unique porridge flavors aligns with consumer desires for novel taste experiences. - **Regional Specialty Products:** Creating localized product variations can draw in regional customers and tourists seeking authentic experiences. - **Hospitality and Tourism:** Offering culturally significant culinary items can enhance the tourist experience and local engagement. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Drinkable Porridge Soup Refreshments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canned-porridge-soup.md) - [Regional Holiday Cafe Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hojicha-mochitto-milk.md) - [Matcha-Packed Convenience Store Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7eleven-japan-meccha-matcha.md) - [Sakura-Celebrating Refreshment Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doutor-sakura-fair.md) - [Indulgent Winter Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meiji-dear-milk-tokuno.md) - [Creamy Cherry Blossom Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-dessert-drink.md) - [High-Protein Dessert-Flavored Porridges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fuel10k-porridge.md) - [Celebratory Matcha Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-japan-new-years.md) - [Autumn-Themed Japanese Snack Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autumn-splendor.md)