Glutinous Rice Balls: A Guide to Choosing Them Online

By the Joybuy Product Team, 2026-07-10

Glutinous rice balls, or tangyuan (汤圆), are much more than just a dessert. They evoke memories of major family celebrations like the Chinese New Year or the Lantern Festival, where they symbolise unity and happiness. For others, they are simply the most delicious gateway to the rich world of Asian desserts.

But with the sheer number of flavours and brands available, choosing the right glutinous rice balls online can quickly become overwhelming. This guide is here to help. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, we'll give you all the tips you need to find the hidden gems that will delight your taste buds.

How to Choose the Best Glutinous Rice Balls

To find the perfect ones, a few simple but essential criteria should be considered.

1. The Filling: A Matter of Taste

The delicious heart of the rice ball, the filling gives it all its character. The traditional versions are timeless classics:

• Black Sesame: A rich, smooth paste with a nutty, roasted flavour. A timeless classic.
• Red Bean: A perfectly balanced sweet paste with subtle earthy notes (anko), beloved for its authenticity.
• Peanut: Often mixed with sugar, this filling offers an irresistible combination of crunchy and sweet.

You can also find more modern or regional flavours, like coconut glutinous rice balls, which add an exotic and gentle sweetness.

2. The Texture: The Secret of Glutinous Rice

The wrapper, made from glutinous rice flour, has a unique texture: soft, elastic, and slightly sticky—often described as chewy. This consistency is the key to the dessert's charm. While sometimes compared to Japanese frozen mochi, tangyuan are traditionally served hot, often in a sweet broth or simply in their cooking water, which enhances their texture and makes them even more melt-in-your-mouth.

3. Preparation: The Simplicity of Frozen

The biggest advantage of frozen glutinous rice balls? They are incredibly simple to prepare. Just drop them into a pot of boiling water. The trick to knowing when they're cooked is easy: they float to the surface! This convenience makes them the perfect go-to Asian dessert for any occasion, even at the last minute.

Top Glutinous Rice Ball Picks

To guide you, here are a few gems we've discovered in our online Chinese grocery store. Each one promises a unique experience.

Coconut Glutinous Rice Balls – China Town

What makes them special These glutinous rice balls stand out with their generous shredded coconut filling. The flavour is sweet, fragrant, and offers an exotic twist that's a refreshing change from more traditional fillings.

Highlights

• Soft and elastic wrapper.
• A generous core with the delicious taste of coconut.
• Simple and quick to cook: ready as soon as they float.

Who is it for? For lovers of sweet, tropical flavours, and for anyone looking to venture beyond the classic sesame or red bean.

Yam Paste Glutinous Rice Balls – CHINATOWN

What makes them special The yam paste filling (similar to taro) offers a unique, sweet, and slightly floral flavour. Its exceptionally smooth and creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the wrapper's elasticity.

Highlights

• Original and delicate yam flavour.
• Very soft and melt-in-your-mouth filling texture.
• A perfect choice for celebrations like the Winter Solstice or the Lantern Festival.

Who is it for? For the adventurous and fans of authentic Asian flavours. If you love taro in bubble tea or pastries, you have to try these!

Peanut & Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls – CHINATOWN

What makes them special This version combines two of the most popular fillings: peanut and sesame. The result is a complex flavour that is rich, roasted, and decadent, with a pleasant, slightly grainy texture.

Highlights

• The perfect marriage of two great classics.
• Balanced and fragrant peanut and sesame filling.
• A traditional recipe for a guaranteed authentic taste.

Who is it for? The perfect solution for those who can't decide between peanut and sesame, and of course, for all fans of roasted flavours.

Red Bean Glutinous Rice Balls – China Town

What makes them specialRed bean paste is a cornerstone of Asian desserts. These glutinous rice balls are the perfect example: a classic flavour, a balanced sweetness, and a creamy texture. A reliable choice for a comforting treat.

Highlights

• Traditional red bean paste filling, sweet and creamy.
• Authentic and balanced taste, not overly sweet.
• A must-have for traditional holidays.

Who is it for? Perfect for purists and those seeking the classic taste of the quintessential Asian dessert. It's also the ideal entry point for trying tangyuan for the first time.

Looking for Something Else?

If these flavours haven't won you over, or if your curiosity is calling you to explore other frozen treats, our selection doesn't stop here. From mochi ice cream to ice cream bars in surprising flavours, a whole world of deliciousness awaits.

Discover our full range of ice cream and frozen snacks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do you cook frozen glutinous rice balls? It couldn't be simpler. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop in the frozen rice balls, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom. Once they all float to the surface, let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve them immediately in a bowl with a little of the cooking water or, for an extra touch of indulgence, in a ginger syrup.

2. What is the difference between tangyuan and mochi? Although both are made from glutinous rice flour, several key differences set them apart. Tangyuan are of Chinese origin, typically smaller, filled, and served hot in a liquid (water or syrup). Mochi, on the other hand, is Japanese. It is often larger and can be unfilled (as in ozoni soup) or filled and enjoyed cold like a pastry, sometimes coated in soybean powder (kinako) or offered as an ice cream version.

3. Where can you buy glutinous rice balls in France? While traditionally found in Asian supermarkets, glutinous rice balls are now increasingly easy to find at an online Chinese grocery store. The advantage? You can get a huge selection of flavours delivered right to your door, which is perfect for planning a holiday meal or simply satisfying a sudden craving.