# Sakura-Flavored Hand Pies McDonald’s Japan Has a New Sakuramochi Pie By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2022-03-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sakuramochi-pie References: [hypebae](https://hypebae.com/2022/3/mcdonalds-japan-sakuramochi-cherry-blossom-pie-flavor-release-date) & [soranews24](https://soranews24.com/2022/03/17/mcdonalds-adds-a-hot-sakura-pie-to-its-menu-in-japan/)  Cherry blossom season is almost here and [McDonald's Japan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ichigo-daifuku-pie) is celebrating its arrival with its new Sakuramochi Pie. The new Sakuramochi Pie is a seasonal twist on the chain's classic Apple Pie. The new version takes inspiration from sakuramochi, which is a dish that features a pink-colored mochi and red bean paste filling, as well as a pickled cherry blossom leaf. As a result, McDonald's Sakuramochi Pie features a pink pastry crust, stuffed with sakura-flavored mochi and sweet red bean paste on the inside. The whole thing is then served in a cherry blossom-themed box. While the new Sakuramochi Pie is certainly exciting, this isn't the first time McDonald's Japan has offered up [sakura-flavored products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doutor-sakura-fair). Back in 2017, the brand offered up a [Sakura-Flavored McFlurry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-mcflurry) that was a major hit with csutomers. Image Credit: McDonald’s Japan ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 65% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sakura-flavored Foods:** Food and Beverage Industry can explore new seasonal products with the flavor of sakura. - **Seasonal Twists on Classic Foods:** Fast Food restaurants can attract customers by offering seasonal twists on classic food items. - **Limited-time Offerings:** Restaurants can create buzz and increase sales by offering limited-time, seasonal menu items. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fast Food:** Fast food chains can innovate with seasonal products to attract more customers. - **Food and Beverage:** Food and beverage brands can create seasonal products to cater to changing tastes and preferences of customers. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising agencies can create campaigns around limited-time seasonal offerings to generate buzz and increase sales. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Spring QSR Mochi Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ichigo-daifuku-pie.md) - [Springtime QSR Matcha Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matcha-kuromitsu-warabi-mochi-pie.md) - [Triangular Autumnal QSR Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sankaku-choco-pies.md) - [Comforting QSR Dessert Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butterscotch-pie.md) - [Maple Butter Hand Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maple-butter-pancake-pie.md) - [Banana Purée Hand Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asian-sweets.md) - [Triangular QSR Strawberry Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yokubari-strawberry-chocolate-triangle-pie.md) - [Cherry Blossom Retailer Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lotteria-sakura-sweets-fair.md) - [Creamy Tea QSR Pies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/white-chocolate-milk-tea-pie.md)