Starting February 17, 2026, the “Dole Smoothie Bowl Cacao Fruit Bowl” will be available in limited quantities at Seven-Eleven stores across Japan (initially at select locations in Tokyo). This offers a brand-new culinary experience where you can enjoy cacao—typically known as the raw material for chocolate—as a refreshing fruit.
A Hit Series with Over 6 Million Units Sold in Japanese Convenience Stores
The “Dole Smoothie Bowl” series has been a massive hit in Japanese convenience stores (known locally as konbini) since its launch in March 2025. This product features a unique combination of three types of frozen fruit, a smoothie base, and crunchy granola.
As of the end of December 2025, the series has surpassed 6 million units in cumulative sales. This new “Cacao Fruit Bowl” is a highly unique addition, timed for the Valentine’s Day season to propose the idea of “cacao as a fruit.”
Sustainable Initiatives: Repurposing the Discarded “White Pulp”
The most significant feature of this product is the use of “cacao fruit juice” (extracted from the white pulp) in the smoothie base.
Typically, when making chocolate, only the cacao seeds (cacao beans) are used. The white pulp (cacao pulp) surrounding the seeds has historically been discarded with very little utilization.
Cacao pulp has a clean sweetness similar to lychee, accompanied by a fruity acidity. By blending this precious juice with banana puree, Dole has created a smoothie with an unexpectedly refreshing flavor.
Furthermore, the bananas used in both the toppings and the base are part of the “Mottainai Banana” project. This initiative rescues non-standard bananas that would otherwise be thrown away due to appearance or bruising, despite having no issues with taste. This product successfully balances delicious flavor with environmental friendliness.
Perfect for Breakfast or a Quick Refresh! A Healthy, No-Sugar-Added Routine
The “Dole Smoothie Bowl” is also a top choice for health-conscious consumers. Aside from the granola topping, no sugar is added. Because you can enjoy the natural sweetness of the fruit, it is perfect for a busy morning breakfast or a refreshing break during work.
The different textures—the smooth smoothie, the chunky frozen fruit, and the crunchy granola—can all be enjoyed luxuriously in a single cup.
Product Lineup and Details
The product will be sold in limited quantities at select Seven-Eleven stores within Tokyo.
- Product Name: Dole Smoothie Bowl Cacao Fruit Bowl
- Volume: 113g (approx. 4 oz)
- Price: 497.88 yen (tax included) (approx. $3.30 USD)
- Release Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Sales Area: Select Seven-Eleven stores in Tokyo, Japan
- Note: Available in limited quantities; sales will end once stock is depleted.
Experience the surprise of “cacao that isn’t chocolate” for yourself at Seven-Eleven in Japan.
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