Mochi Ice Cream: Picks for Finding the Perfect Treat

Mochi ice cream is no longer a treat reserved for insiders. This small Japanese gem, with its chewy glutinous rice shell and ice cream centre, has taken freezers around the world by storm. But with an exploding array of flavours and brands, how do you make the right choice? Don't worry, we're here to guide you.

Our mission at Joybuy? To uncover the hidden gems that will delight your taste buds. In this guide, we'll give you everything you need to choose the perfect mochi ice cream and present our top picks for 2026.

Buyer's Guide?: 3 Criteria for Choosing the Best Mochi Ice Cream

Before you indulge, here are the key things to check for a perfect tasting experience.

1. Decoding the Flavours?: From Classic to Exotic

The world of mochi ice cream is a true playground of flavours. Traditional options, like the essential green tea mochi (or matcha), remain timeless classics with their delicate bitterness and earthy notes. But creativity knows no bounds! Bold new combinations are emerging, such as Thai tea mochi, which blends the spices of black tea with the smoothness of coconut milk. Our advice? Be adventurous and explore to find the gem that will captivate your palate.

2. A Closer Look at the Ingredients?: The Secret to Great Mochi

The quality of a frozen Japanese dessert comes down to its ingredient list. For the outer layer, there's no secret: only glutinous rice flour can achieve that uniquely chewy texture. For the ice cream centre, there are two main schools of thought:

• Dairy-based?: for unparalleled creaminess and richness.
• Plant-based milk (often coconut)?: an excellent alternative that opens the door to vegan mochi while adding an exotic touch.

A quick look at the ingredients is also the best way to check for compatibility with specific dietary needs (vegan, lactose-free, halal).

3. Texture?: The Perfect Balance of Chewy and Creamy

The secret to a great mochi ice cream lies in a perfectly mastered interplay of textures. The rice dough should be soft and delicately chewy, never rubbery. The centre should be creamy but firm enough not to melt at the first bite. A pro tip for the perfect experience? Let your mochi ice cream pearls sit for a few minutes at room temperature before indulging. Patience is the key to softness!

Mochi Ice Creams We Recommend

Here are three options that stand out for their originality and quality.

BUONO Thai Tea Mochi Ice Cream

Why we love it?: BUONO dares to blend cultures with this recipe, fusing Japanese softness with the character of Thai tea. The secret? A coconut milk ice cream centre infused with black tea, which perfectly captures the distinctive taste of cha yen.

Highlights?:

• Original flavour?: an exotic escape from the usual offerings.
• 100% plant-based?: dairy-free, making it suitable for everyone.
• Perfect balance?: the smoothness of coconut milk softens the spicy notes of the tea.

Who is it for? Flavour explorers who are curious to discover out-of-the-ordinary tastes. It's also the ideal choice for vegans or those with lactose intolerance.

LITTLE MOONS Uji Matcha Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream

Why we love it?:Little Moons, the star brand that popularised mochi ice cream in Europe, needs no introduction. This version showcases an exceptional ingredient: matcha green tea sourced directly from the Uji region, the birthplace of Japan's finest teas.

Highlights?:

• Authentic taste?: the Uji matcha offers a deep, earthy flavour without any unpleasant bitterness.
• Unparalleled creaminess?: the recipe, made with milk and fresh cream, ensures a rich and ultra-smooth texture.
• A trusted choice?: the quality and experience of a brand that has become a household name.

Who is it for? Purists and die-hard fans of matcha mochi who are looking for authenticity and a classic creamy texture.

BUONO Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream

Why we love it?: BUONO reimagines the classic green tea mochi in a 100% plant-based version. By replacing cow's milk with coconut milk, the brand offers a new taste experience that is smoother, just as delicious, and accessible to all.

Highlights?:

• For all diets?: in addition to being a vegan mochi, this product is Halal certified (check the packaging at the time of purchase for certification).
• Smooth and harmonious?: coconut milk rounds out the earthy notes of the green tea for a very satisfying result.
• Reassuring formula?: the recipe is designed to limit common allergens.

Who is it for? Those looking for a plant-based alternative to green tea mochi, or who pay close attention to certifications (vegan, halal).

Looking for Other Flavours?

Has our selection made your mouth water? The gourmet adventure is just beginning! Fruity flavours, chocolatey creations, unexpected tastes... the world of Asian sweets is endless.

? Explore our full collection in the Dessert Tea category.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is mochi ice cream?

Mochi ice cream is a Japanese dessert distinguished by its incredible play on textures. It consists of a soft, chewy outer layer made from glutinous rice flour (the "mochi" itself), which encases a centre of ice cream or sorbet. These small bites, sometimes called mochi ice cream pearls, offer a striking contrast between the soft dough and the cool, creamy centre.

How should I store mochi ice cream?

Mochi ice cream must be stored in the freezer at -18°C (0°F) or below, just like any other frozen product. The secret to a perfect tasting experience? Take them out 2 to 5 minutes before serving. This brief moment at room temperature is enough for the rice dough to regain its softness without the ice cream centre melting. Please note: a thawed product should never be refrozen.

Is mochi ice cream suitable for a vegan diet?

Not always! The traditional recipe uses dairy-based ice cream. However, in response to growing demand, the availability of vegan mochi is exploding. In these versions, dairy milk is replaced with a plant-based alternative, most often coconut milk, whose smoothness lends itself wonderfully to the dessert. The best practice is to always check the ingredient list to be sure of your choice.