A special ice cream bar that recreates the taste of “Ichigo Miruku” candy, a nostalgic childhood flavor for many in Japan, is being released at 7-Eleven convenience stores. This launch celebrates the 55th anniversary of the iconic candy from Sakuma Seika. The “Sakuma Seika Ichigo Miruku Ice Bar” will be available in limited quantities at stores across Japan starting Tuesday, November 11th.
Last year, 7-Eleven also released a bite-sized ice cream themed around “Ichigo Miruku,” which became a hot topic for how faithfully it recreated the original flavor. Following that success, this new bar-type ice cream has been developed for the momentous 55th anniversary. In Japanese convenience stores, limited-time collaboration products with famous snack brands like this are common, making every visit a chance for a new discovery, which is part of their charm.
Product Details: Sakuma Seika Ichigo Miruku Ice Bar
The price is 180 yen (194.40 yen including tax), and it is available at 7-Eleven stores across Japan. However, as it is a limited-quantity item, sales will end once it’s sold out. If you happen to find one, be sure to give it a try.
The Charm of its Meticulous Recreation
This is more than just a strawberry-flavored ice cream. Various techniques have been employed to faithfully reproduce the unique flavor and texture of the original candy.
The “Ice Cream” Grade: Pursuing a Rich Milk Flavor
Under Japanese law, ice cream products are classified into four categories based on their milk content. This “Ichigo Miruku Ice Bar” falls into the top-tier “ice cream” grade, which has the highest content of milk solids and milk fat. This classification allows it to achieve an exceptionally rich and creamy milk flavor for a truly indulgent taste.
“Candy Glitter” for a Crunchy Texture
The most distinct feature of the original “Ichigo Miruku” candy is the textural contrast between the hard strawberry candy shell and the crispy milk filling. To replicate this experience, the ice cream bar uses “Candy Glitter,” a special topping candy developed by Sakuma Seika. These sparkling candy chips are mixed into the chocolate coating, providing a delightfully crunchy texture that complements the smooth ice cream.
Featuring “Amaou” Strawberry Juice and a Melty Condensed Milk Sauce
The ice cream itself is made with juice from “Amaou” strawberries, a very popular high-end strawberry brand in Japan, giving it a sweet and rich aroma. Furthermore, a gooey condensed milk sauce is hidden in the center of the bar. The combination of strawberry, milk, and condensed milk is a classic and beloved trio in Japanese sweets. Paired with the outer chocolate coating, this creates a complex experience of different textures and flavors with every bite, ensuring it stays delightful to the very end.
A Nostalgic Package You Can’t Resist
The packaging design almost perfectly replicates the bag of the original, long-beloved candy. This iconic red and white design evokes a sense of nostalgia for many Japanese people and is likely to garner attention on social media. In Japan, there is a culture of “pake-gai” (package buying), where consumers choose products based on the appeal of their packaging, and this ice cream bar certainly has that charm.
This product is more than just a new item; it’s a great example of how Japan’s “long-selling” snacks evolve to suit modern consumers while remaining beloved. When you visit Japan, be sure to look for this special ice cream bar at 7-Eleven to experience a nostalgic taste of the country.
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