Häagen-Dazs Japan has announced the release of its newest seasonal flavor, “Kaga Bo Hojicha Latte,” featuring the premium “Kaga Bo Hojicha” (roasted stem tea), a famous specialty of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is scheduled for a limited-time nationwide release starting Tuesday, April 21, 2026. This premium Japanese-style ice cream harmonizes the unique roasted aroma of carefully selected tea stems with rich Hokkaido milk.
What is Kanazawa’s “Kaga Bo Hojicha”? An Overwhelming Aroma from Rare Stems
For this new creation, Häagen-Dazs selected “Kaga Bo Hojicha,” a tea born in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, as its primary ingredient. While typical hojicha (roasted green tea) uses the leaves, the defining characteristic of this tea is that it uses the “stems” (stalks). It luxuriously utilizes a rare portion that accounts for only about 10–15% of the entire tea plant.
Tea stems are rich in aromatic compounds that are released through roasting. With just one bite, a powerful fragrance fills your senses, followed by a sweet, toasted afterglow that lingers on the palate. By intentionally roasting the stems slowly at a low temperature, the bitterness and astringency are suppressed, achieving an elegant and sophisticated finish.
Perfect Balance with Hokkaido Milk: A Smooth “Latte” Flavor
The other star of the “Kaga Bo Hojicha Latte” is the milk from Hokkaido, a region world-renowned for its high-quality dairy. The rich, creamy milk pairs exceptionally well with the bold, roasted aroma of the hojicha, bringing out the best in both ingredients.
The development team sought the perfect balance to achieve a smooth, latte-like texture without overshadowing the delicate flavor of the roasted tea. To ensure the pure taste of the ingredients is felt directly, they opted for a simple structure without any added mix-ins or chunks. Every time the ice cream melts, the umami of the tea and the gentle sweetness of the milk spread throughout your mouth.
Vibrant Packaging Evoking Kanazawa’s Traditional Beauty
The package design uses vibrant colors to express the atmospheric streets of Kanazawa and the traditional Japanese aesthetic (Wa). The elegant design, accented with gold, is perfect as a personal treat or for a tea time shared with loved ones. It is an ice cream crafted to be enjoyed with all five senses, allowing you to feel the culture and tradition of Kanazawa through its appearance alone.
Product Details: Mini Cup “Kaga Bo Hojicha Latte”
- Product Name: Häagen-Dazs Mini Cup “Kaga Bo Hojicha Latte”
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
- Suggested Retail Price: 373 JPY (approx. $2.45 USD)
- Size: 110ml (approx. 3.7 fl oz)
- Availability: Konbini (Japanese convenience stores), supermarkets, and department stores nationwide in Japan
- Classification: Ice Cream (Milk Solids 8.5%, Milk Fat 14.0%, Egg Fat 0.6%)
- Special Site: Official Campaign Details 🇯🇵
Surpassing the 2017 Hit with Even More Luxury
Häagen-Dazs previously released a “Hojicha Latte” in 2017, which became a major sensation. This new version aims for an even higher level of luxury and depth of flavor by adopting the more premium “Kaga Bo Hojicha.”
This quality is highly recommended not only for fans of roasted tea sweets but also for anyone looking to enjoy a special Japanese-style ice cream. You can experience the ultimate “Japanese Latte” that only Häagen-Dazs can provide, with absolutely no compromise from ingredient selection to manufacturing.
A Refreshing Aftertaste: Check Local Japanese Konbini
While rich and creamy, this ice cream has a surprisingly light aftertaste. This is thanks to the naturally refreshing properties of Kaga Bo Hojicha. Despite using a dense base with 14.0% milk fat, the amount of tea has been finely adjusted to create a masterful balance where the roasted aroma takes center stage.
Since this is a limited-time release, be sure to check the ice cream sections of 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart early if you are visiting Japan. Please enjoy this special flavor, packed with the fragrance of Kanazawa, which can only be found right now.
Post a Comment