What is Japanese ice cream?

Japanese ice cream typically refers to mochi ice cream. It is a dessert made of a scoop of premium ice cream wrapped in a thin layer of chewy, sweetened rice flour dough known as mochi.

Is Japanese ice cream the same as mochi ice cream?

Yes, Japanese ice cream is commonly referred to as mochi ice cream, although there are other types of ice cream in Japan as well.

What flavors are common for Japanese ice cream?

Popular flavors include matcha (green tea), red bean, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, mango and black sesame.

Is Japanese ice cream gluten free?

Many mochi ice creams are gluten-free but it is always best to check the packaging or contact the manufacturer to be sure.

Is Japanese ice cream vegan?

While traditional mochi ice cream contains dairy, there are vegan variations available that use non-dairy alternatives.

Does Japanese ice cream contain nuts?

Some flavors may contain nuts. Individuals with food allergies should always check the ingredient list before consuming.

Why is it called Mochi ice cream?

It's called mochi ice cream because the ice cream is encased in a layer of mochi, a Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain glutinous rice.

Is Japanese ice cream healthy?

Japanese ice cream, especially mochi ice cream, can be a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream as it is often lower in calories, fat and sugar.

How is Japanese ice cream made?

A scoop of ice cream is covered in a sweet rice dough, which is then pinched closed to keep the ice cream from melting.

Can I make Japanese ice cream at home?

Yes, with the right ingredients, you can make your own mochi ice cream at home.

Where did Japanese ice cream originate?

Japanese ice cream, or mochi ice cream, originated in Japan, but it became popular in the U.S. after being introduced by the company Mikawaya in the 1990s.

Is Japanese ice cream dairy free?

Most mochi ice creams contain dairy but there are also dairy-free varieties available.

Can Japanese ice cream be frozen?

Yes, Japanese ice cream is best stored in the freezer. It should be taken out a few minutes before eating to allow the mochi to soften slightly.

How long does Japanese ice cream last?

If kept properly in the freezer, Japanese ice cream can last for a few months.

Are there any famous brands for Japanese ice cream?

Some well-known brands are My/Mo Mochi, Bubbies, and Mikawaya.

Where can I buy Japanese ice cream?

You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

Asian American store with free delivery available*

Where to buy japanese ice cream near me?

*Orders above $35, varies by region

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Top 5 products for Japanese Ice Cream

#1

Imuraya Monaka Ice Cream Sandwich Matcha Flavor 5.07 oz

This Japanese dessert captures the unique, sweet and earthy taste of Matcha, loved by many worldwide. It's a monaka, a traditional ice cream sandwich with a wafer outside, enhancing the eating experience. Ideal as an exotic dessert after sushi or ramen, it adds an authentic finish to your Asian meal. Being frozen, it has convenient, prolonged shelf-life. This monaka is packed with antioxidants from matcha, promoting health with each mouthwatering bite. Perfect for those craving a taste of Japan.

$2.49 - $3.29

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Jin Kyung
Originally, three came, but I ate one as soon as I received it. The green tea flavor is rich and delicious. I was worried it might melt, but it arrived fully protected with dry ice! I'm so touched.
nyx
i love them so much, i can't wait to order more
takuyuri
This Imuraya ice cream is delicious. They also have other flavors like strawberry and chocolate vanilla, but this matcha one is also really tasty.
hh
The matcha flavor is very strong; at first, it tasted a bit bitter and not very sweet.
Chr1s
Am I getting old? This tastes way too sweet to me...
Ellie
It’s one of our favorite ice creams!
yangyu1
This is so delicious! I only intended to eat half, but once I started, I couldn't stop.
tonghui
Shipping was fast. There's dry ice inside, so no worries about it melting. All the flavors are my favorites!
Su^zanne
I love this ice cream, it's delicious!
weee.11869502
Delivered perfectly

#2

Imuraya Monaka Ice Cream Sandwich Vanilla Flavor, Frozen 5.07 oz

Indulge in creamy vanilla ice cream sandwiched between crisp wafer shells with a traditional Japanese twist. Enjoy as a sweet snack or dessert pairing with mochi,Matcha, or azuki for a Japan-inspired treat. Frozen format keeps it ready-to-enjoy, canceling prep time and preserving texture.

$2.49 - $3.29

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sethronak96
Awesome, thanks!
TaliyahShivers
That ice cream is supper thick, and with the chocolate layer as well, gives it a nice crunchy.
悦?Rebekah
All three flavors from this brand are delicious!
kimmy.phone05
As expected, I think the original tastes the best.
weee.18087038
Whenever I crave Japanese ice cream, I buy it here. It arrives perfectly frozen.
Richard
These are so yummy. The vanilla ice cream is top tier and the chocolate is a nice touch. Price is on point and will.order again.
Yun
I buy it every time. I eat it while thinking of Japan's Choco Monaka Jumbo.
weee.16237548
It was wrapped in dry ice, so it arrived in perfect condition! The monaka was crispy and really delicious!!
NT
I ordered it for the first time, thinking it might melt, but it arrived perfectly frozen solid. I would like to order it again.
RedB
Vanilla chocolate filling is sweet and not greasy.

#3

Imuraya Monaka Ice Cream Sandwich Strawberry Flavor, Frozen 5.07 oz

Indulge in a classic Japanese treat: creamy vanilla ice cream sandwiched with crisp, airy wafers and strawberry swirls for a delightful freeze that melts in your mouth. Perfect for topping Asian desserts or pairing with mochi, taiyaki fillings, or shaved ice. Frozen keeps flavors vibrant, portable, and ready-to-enjoy anytime.

$2.49 - $3.29

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sbarr2184
the taste is great and I really like them, but the had ice crystals which means the had been melting before or to long in the freezer
erin.lee93
The strawberry is my favorite
露霞
This is the ice cream my daughter likes.
Jocelyn
Tastes great
Jocelyn
It's very good!
kevstyles1
Size of these are mediocre
Valerie
I bought the strawberry ice cream sandwich. because I have had try it before and I love strawberry ice cream
阳光灿烂
I've bought it countless times, it tastes so good, I'll definitely buy it again.
weee.11869502
Delivered perfectly
weee.18244671
It has a strong strawberry flavor, and the outer shell is more chewy than crisp, but it's delicious.

#4

Imuraya Monaka Ice Cream Sandwich Chocolate Flavor 5.07 oz

Imuraya Monaka Ice Cream Sandwich Chocolate Flavor offers a delightful blend of traditional Japanese dessert and tempting chocolate. This frozen delight captivates taste buds with its rich chocolate filling encased in a crispy waffle exterior. Being a frozen product, it's super convenient as you can enjoy it instantly anytime and it retains freshness for longer. Perfect for dessert or as a sweet addition to any Asian meals. Enjoy the fusion of Western and Eastern culinary art in this delicious treat.

$2.49 - $3.29

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sbarr2184
so so good and it has a crunchy chocolate coating between the the waffle and the ice cream. will definitely keep ordering
Minnie
Instant favorite! Loved that the shell is lined with chocolate.
Valerie
my daughter likes the chocolate wafer ice cream sandwich. she likes how it was made.
Mei
Delicious!! First time! Wafer is crunchy and chocolate is not too sweet!
tonghui
Shipping was fast. There's dry ice inside, so no worries about it melting. All the flavors are my favorites!
Su^zanne
I like chocolate ice cream
kimmy.phone05
The chocolate flavor is very strong. It didn't suit my taste.
Carla
really good
红气球
Japanese imported chocolate-coated ice cream with filling is good.
RedB
Crispy muffins with double chocolate filling taste good.

#5

Imuraya Matcha＆Red Bean Monaka Ice Cream 1.44 oz*5 pack

A true Japanese ice cream lover’s treat—creamy matcha swirls meet sweet red bean in a convenient 5‑pack. Perfect as a standalone dessert or layered in mochi parfaits, shaved ice, or Japanese pancake toppings. Rich in matcha antioxidants, it delivers authentic flavor.

$6.99

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Crystal
Bigger size be good
me3045374
I've eaten so many of them they're so good. I have to buy it again.
Mia Bunny
I like it but not honestly enough to buy it again. I do love matcha and red bean, though it’s a much smaller size than I expected. I’ll be looking to try more ice cream brands/flavors.
weee.8884874
I bought it without reading the reviews and got fooled. There are 5 small waffles in a box, and the main point is that they don't have matcha flavor, not as good as the other rectangular waffle with matcha chocolate filling.
Catherine Chen
I tried one right after receiving it. It's small but not too sinful. The red bean part is a little sweet and the matcha flavor is strong. Not bad
strive_ynnelam
Bought this because of the offer. Yet to try.
jinxiuchen18
Delicious?Matcha and red beans, what a perfect match?
Hiroko
Each one is small, but it is filled with bean paste and has a delicious matcha flavor! The fact that it is individually wrapped also helps keep the monaka from falling apart!
阿修罗
Same brand, this one has no matcha flavor, the bean paste is too sweet and fake, not as good as the one on the right, much worse than the one on the right, I won't buy it again, the matcha flavor on the right is very strong and not very sweet
ハートフル坊主
It was a shame that the ice cream had melted and soaked into the box. The ice pack arrived cold, but it's hot now, so I think you need to be careful when ordering ice cream.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Japanese ice cream?
Japanese ice cream typically refers to mochi ice cream. It is a dessert made of a scoop of premium ice cream wrapped in a thin layer of chewy, sweetened rice flour dough known as mochi.
What flavors are common for Japanese ice cream?
Popular flavors include matcha (green tea), red bean, vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, mango and black sesame.
Is Japanese ice cream vegan?
While traditional mochi ice cream contains dairy, there are vegan variations available that use non-dairy alternatives.
Why is it called Mochi ice cream?
It's called mochi ice cream because the ice cream is encased in a layer of mochi, a Japanese rice cake made of mochigome, a short-grain glutinous rice.
How is Japanese ice cream made?
A scoop of ice cream is covered in a sweet rice dough, which is then pinched closed to keep the ice cream from melting.
Where did Japanese ice cream originate?
Japanese ice cream, or mochi ice cream, originated in Japan, but it became popular in the U.S. after being introduced by the company Mikawaya in the 1990s.
Can Japanese ice cream be frozen?
Yes, Japanese ice cream is best stored in the freezer. It should be taken out a few minutes before eating to allow the mochi to soften slightly.
Are there any famous brands for Japanese ice cream?
Some well-known brands are My/Mo Mochi, Bubbies, and Mikawaya.

Is Japanese ice cream the same as mochi ice cream?
Yes, Japanese ice cream is commonly referred to as mochi ice cream, although there are other types of ice cream in Japan as well.
Is Japanese ice cream gluten free?
Many mochi ice creams are gluten-free but it is always best to check the packaging or contact the manufacturer to be sure.
Does Japanese ice cream contain nuts?
Some flavors may contain nuts. Individuals with food allergies should always check the ingredient list before consuming.
Is Japanese ice cream healthy?
Japanese ice cream, especially mochi ice cream, can be a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream as it is often lower in calories, fat and sugar.
Can I make Japanese ice cream at home?
Yes, with the right ingredients, you can make your own mochi ice cream at home.
Is Japanese ice cream dairy free?
Most mochi ice creams contain dairy but there are also dairy-free varieties available.
How long does Japanese ice cream last?
If kept properly in the freezer, Japanese ice cream can last for a few months.
Where can I buy Japanese ice cream?
You can buy it at Weee! Asian Market, www.sayweee.com.

Jin Kyung
Originally, three came, but I ate one as soon as I received it. The green tea flavor is rich and delicious. I was worried it might melt, but it arrived fully protected with dry ice! I'm so touched.
nyx
i love them so much, i can't wait to order more
takuyuri
This Imuraya ice cream is delicious. They also have other flavors like strawberry and chocolate vanilla, but this matcha one is also really tasty.
hh
The matcha flavor is very strong; at first, it tasted a bit bitter and not very sweet.
Chr1s
Am I getting old? This tastes way too sweet to me...
Ellie
It’s one of our favorite ice creams!
yangyu1
This is so delicious! I only intended to eat half, but once I started, I couldn't stop.
tonghui
Shipping was fast. There's dry ice inside, so no worries about it melting. All the flavors are my favorites!
Su^zanne
I love this ice cream, it's delicious!
weee.11869502
Delivered perfectly
sethronak96
Awesome, thanks!
TaliyahShivers
That ice cream is supper thick, and with the chocolate layer as well, gives it a nice crunchy.
悦?Rebekah
All three flavors from this brand are delicious!
kimmy.phone05
As expected, I think the original tastes the best.
weee.18087038
Whenever I crave Japanese ice cream, I buy it here. It arrives perfectly frozen.
Richard
These are so yummy. The vanilla ice cream is top tier and the chocolate is a nice touch. Price is on point and will.order again.
Yun
I buy it every time. I eat it while thinking of Japan's Choco Monaka Jumbo.
weee.16237548
It was wrapped in dry ice, so it arrived in perfect condition! The monaka was crispy and really delicious!!
NT
I ordered it for the first time, thinking it might melt, but it arrived perfectly frozen solid. I would like to order it again.
RedB
Vanilla chocolate filling is sweet and not greasy.
sbarr2184
the taste is great and I really like them, but the had ice crystals which means the had been melting before or to long in the freezer
erin.lee93
The strawberry is my favorite
露霞
This is the ice cream my daughter likes.
Jocelyn
Tastes great
Jocelyn
It's very good!
kevstyles1
Size of these are mediocre
Valerie
I bought the strawberry ice cream sandwich. because I have had try it before and I love strawberry ice cream
阳光灿烂
I've bought it countless times, it tastes so good, I'll definitely buy it again.
weee.11869502
Delivered perfectly
weee.18244671
It has a strong strawberry flavor, and the outer shell is more chewy than crisp, but it's delicious.
sbarr2184
so so good and it has a crunchy chocolate coating between the the waffle and the ice cream. will definitely keep ordering
Minnie
Instant favorite! Loved that the shell is lined with chocolate.
Valerie
my daughter likes the chocolate wafer ice cream sandwich. she likes how it was made.
Mei
Delicious!! First time! Wafer is crunchy and chocolate is not too sweet!
tonghui
Shipping was fast. There's dry ice inside, so no worries about it melting. All the flavors are my favorites!
Su^zanne
I like chocolate ice cream
kimmy.phone05
The chocolate flavor is very strong. It didn't suit my taste.
Carla
really good
红气球
Japanese imported chocolate-coated ice cream with filling is good.
RedB
Crispy muffins with double chocolate filling taste good.
Crystal
Bigger size be good
me3045374
I've eaten so many of them they're so good. I have to buy it again.
Mia Bunny
I like it but not honestly enough to buy it again. I do love matcha and red bean, though it’s a much smaller size than I expected. I’ll be looking to try more ice cream brands/flavors.
weee.8884874
I bought it without reading the reviews and got fooled. There are 5 small waffles in a box, and the main point is that they don't have matcha flavor, not as good as the other rectangular waffle with matcha chocolate filling.
Catherine Chen
I tried one right after receiving it. It's small but not too sinful. The red bean part is a little sweet and the matcha flavor is strong. Not bad
strive_ynnelam
Bought this because of the offer. Yet to try.
jinxiuchen18
Delicious?Matcha and red beans, what a perfect match?
Hiroko
Each one is small, but it is filled with bean paste and has a delicious matcha flavor! The fact that it is individually wrapped also helps keep the monaka from falling apart!
阿修罗
Same brand, this one has no matcha flavor, the bean paste is too sweet and fake, not as good as the one on the right, much worse than the one on the right, I won't buy it again, the matcha flavor on the right is very strong and not very sweet
ハートフル坊主
It was a shame that the ice cream had melted and soaked into the box. The ice pack arrived cold, but it's hot now, so I think you need to be careful when ordering ice cream.