“Ministop,” a famous Japanese convenience store (locally known as “Konbini”) chain, has introduced a new eco-friendly dessert. This special Soft Serve Ice Cream supports the “Mottainai Banana” project promoted by the global fruit brand “Dole.”
The product will be released sequentially starting March 13, 2026, and will be available at all Ministop stores across Japan by March 20. This new release is a noteworthy creation that balances delicious flavor with sustainability.
Soft Serve Featuring the Intense Sweetness of High-Altitude Bananas
The most prominent feature of this new soft serve is the use of bananas grown slowly in high-altitude environments with significant temperature fluctuations. Generally, high-altitude bananas are characterized by their intense sweetness and rich, full-bodied flavor. This “High-Altitude Cultivated Banana Soft Serve” maximizes that potential.
Furthermore, this product utilizes “Mottainai Bananas” as a raw material. These are bananas that would typically be discarded because they fall outside of standard specifications for appearance or size, despite being perfectly fine to eat. This ethical sweet embodies the Japanese spirit of “Mottainai” (the feeling of regret when something is wasted).
Product lineup and details are as follows:
- Product Name: High-Altitude Cultivated Banana Soft Serve / Mix
- Price: 350 yen (approx. $2.33 USD) (378.00 yen including tax (approx. $2.52 USD))
- Release Date: Sequential release from March 13, 2026 (Nationwide from March 20)
- Energy (Cone): Banana 197 kcal / Mix 199 kcal
- Energy (Cup): Banana 165 kcal / Mix 167 kcal
A “Mix” version, combined with Ministop’s famous Vanilla Soft Serve, is also available. This is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy the richness of the banana and the creaminess of vanilla at the same time.
Perfect as a Self-Reward! The Luxurious “Gohoubi Soft – Choco Banana”
When you want a more luxurious dessert time, the “Gohoubi Soft – Choco Banana” is perfect. “Gohoubi” is a Japanese word meaning a “reward” or a “treat for oneself.” This dish uses the High-Altitude Cultivated Banana Soft Serve as a base and adds toppings that pair perfectly with banana.
The chocolate sauce, which hardens into a crunchy texture on the cold soft serve, adds a delightful accent. Additionally, it is topped with crunchy cocoa biscuits, ensuring you won’t get tired of the flavor until the very last bite.
- Product Name: Gohoubi Soft – Choco Banana
- Price: 500 yen (approx. $3.33 USD) (540.00 yen including tax (approx. $3.60 USD))
- Energy (Waffle Cone): 318 kcal
- Energy (Cup): 211 kcal
- Features: Crunchy chocolate sauce, crispy cocoa biscuits, includes an edible spoon
You can choose between a waffle cone or a cup. In an additional nod to the environment, Ministop provides an “edible spoon” instead of plastic, showcasing their unique ethical commitment.
“Tokumori Soft” for Those Who Want a Large Serving
For those who want to fully savor the deliciousness of the bananas, the “Tokumori” (extra large) size, which contains double the amount of soft serve, is also available.
- Product Name: Tokumori Soft Banana / Mix
- Price: 500 yen (approx. $3.33 USD) (540.00 yen including tax (approx. $3.60 USD))
- Energy: Banana 251 kcal / Mix 254 kcal
With a volume that nearly overflows from the cup, you can fully indulge in the mellow aroma and sweetness of the bananas.
The “Mottainai Banana” Project and a Sustainable Future
The “Mottainai Banana” used by Ministop this time is a project launched by Dole in 2021. It began with the desire to save as many “non-standard” bananas as possible that occur during the distribution process, and many companies now participate.
Bananas are very delicate fruits. Even if there is no problem with the taste, they are often discarded simply because of scratches on the skin or variations in size. To overcome this situation, new life is breathed into these fruits in the form of drinks, snacks, and now, this soft serve ice cream.
Dole is also expanding this initiative to fruits other than bananas through the Mottainai Fruit Project 🇯🇵. The proactive adoption of sustainable ingredients by Japanese convenience stores is likely to have a significant impact on future dessert culture.
While enjoying the deliciousness of rich, high-altitude bananas, take a moment to think about the global environment. If you visit Japan, be sure to experience this wonderful treat at Ministop.
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