Joybuy Insights

Mochi Ice Cream: Our Gourmet Picks

The mochi ice cream trend is impossible to ignore. These small Japanese bites, combining a soft rice dough exterior with a cool ice cream centre, have taken over our freezers. But with so many brands and flavours available, how do you make the right choice?

As the Head of Product Curation at Joybuy, my mission is to guide you. This guide is here to help you navigate the options and find the perfect mochi ice cream to delight your taste buds.

How to Choose the Best Mochi Ice Cream

Before you indulge, here are a few criteria to keep in mind to ensure you make the perfect choice.

1. The Filling: Ice Cream or Sorbet?

The texture and taste of your mochi largely depend on its frozen core.

  • Ice Cream: For lovers of all things rich and creamy. Made with a milk or cream base, it offers a full-bodied mouthfeel that's ideal for more indulgent flavours.
  • Sorbet: The ultimate light and fruity option. A sorbet mochi is typically dairy-free, making it the perfect choice for those who are lactose intolerant or anyone looking for a fresher, tangier finish.

2. Flavours and Ingredients

From traditional matcha tea to exotic fruits, the possibilities are endless. A mango mochi or a passion fruit mochi can instantly transport you to the tropics. Be sure to check the ingredients list: the use of real fruit purée instead of artificial flavourings is a true sign of quality. It makes these mochi ice cream pearls all the more delicious.

3. Specific Dietary Needs

Many brands now offer alternatives for all diets. If you have dietary restrictions, a quick glance at the label is all it takes. It's very easy to find gluten-free mochi, as the rice dough is naturally gluten-free. Vegan options (with no animal products) are also becoming increasingly common.

Top Mochi Ice Cream Picks

To help you buy mochi ice cream online, we've selected a few gems that stand out for their exceptional flavours and high-quality ingredients.

BUONO Passion Fruit Sorbet Mochi

Mochi Sorbet Fruit de la Passion BUONO

Why we love it: Its secret? A passion fruit sorbet centre that is intense with just the right amount of tang. The use of real fruit purée delivers an authentic and ultra-refreshing taste that's light-years away from synthetic flavourings.

Highlights:

  • A sorbet centre for maximum lightness.
  • Dairy-free, making it perfect for vegan diets and those with lactose intolerance.
  • Made with real fruit for a natural and powerful taste.
  • Individually wrapped to preserve freshness and for easy enjoyment.

Who is it for?: Anyone who prefers fruity, tangy flavours over overly rich desserts. It's the perfect option for a light end to a meal or an invigorating gourmet treat.

Little Moons Mango Ice Cream Mochi

Mochi Crème Glacée Mangue Little Moons

Why we love it: This is THE benchmark for many mochi lovers. The Little Moons mango mochi strikes the perfect balance between creamy ice cream, the captivating aroma of the fruit, and an incomparably soft rice dough.

Highlights:

  • An ice cream centre for ultimate creaminess and indulgence.
  • Certified gluten-free.
  • A mango flavour that is both sweet and indulgent.
  • Pro tip: wait 3 to 5 minutes after taking it out of the freezer for the perfect texture.

Who is it for?: For die-hard fans of creamy textures and mango lovers. It's a sure thing for anyone new to Japanese frozen desserts, introducing them to the most popular version.

Buono Mango Mochi Ice Cream

Mochi Glacé Mangue Buono

Why we love it: The originality of this mango mochi from Buono lies in its coconut milk recipe. The result? An ice cream that is both creamy and exotic, where the sweetness of coconut enhances the mango flavour.

Highlights:

  • A recipe based on real mango and coconut milk.
  • A texture that combines creaminess with a refreshing quality.
  • Suitable for vegetarians and Halal certified.
  • No major allergens declared.

Who is it for?: The ideal alternative for those who love creaminess but want to venture beyond traditional cow's milk ice cream. Fans of the coconut-mango combination will be in heaven.

Want to Explore Other Flavours?

The world of frozen desserts is an endless playground. Has mochi whet your appetite for exploring other fruity creations?

Dive into our complete collection of fruit ice creams to discover other delights that will satisfy your cravings for freshness and indulgence.

Everything You Need to Know About Mochi Ice Cream

What is Mochi Ice Cream?

It's an iconic Japanese frozen dessert. It consists of an ice cream or sorbet core wrapped in a thin, soft, and chewy glutinous rice dough (the mochi). What makes these mochi ice cream pearls so addictive is their unique play on textures.

How Do You Eat Mochi Ice Cream?

The secret to the perfect tasting experience: patience! Take your mochi out of the freezer 3 to 5 minutes before enjoying it. This short rest at room temperature allows the rice dough to regain its softness, creating a divine contrast with the still-frozen centre.

Where to Buy Mochi Ice Cream Online?

Online grocery platforms like Joybuy offer a wide selection of mochi ice cream. It's the ideal way to easily compare flavours, brands, and ingredients before having these little treats delivered right to your door.