Ministop, a major Japanese convenience store (konbini) chain, will release a series of original new ice cream products over four consecutive weeks starting March 31, 2026. The diverse lineup ranges from new flavors of their signature “Frozen Yogurt,” a staple since the company’s founding, to ice cream bars that recreate the popular “Halo-halo” (a Japanese-style parfait inspired by the Filipino dessert). These treats are set to brighten up your spring dessert time.
Ministop is a konbini highly regarded for its uniquely developed desserts that focus on quality ingredients, textures, and aesthetics. This four-week release features the latest additions to their most confident and popular series. From late March through late April, it’s a special period where you can discover new Japanese flavors every week.
Released March 31: “Frozen Yogurt Strawberry” with a Popping Texture
The first installment is a new addition to the long-selling “Frozen Yogurt” series, which Ministop has been selling since its founding in 1980.
“Frozen Yogurt Strawberry” luxuriously uses sweet and tart strawberry juice and pulp. Its main appeal is the delightful “popping” texture unique to strawberry seeds. The natural refreshing acidity of the yogurt matches perfectly with the fruity sweetness of the strawberries, creating a rich flavor. Containing lactic acid bacteria, it’s a treat that health-conscious travelers and locals alike will appreciate.
- Product Name: Frozen Yogurt Strawberry
- Price: 168 yen (approx. $1.12 USD; 181.44 yen including tax / approx. $1.21 USD)
- Release Date: March 31 (Tuesday)
- Available at: Ministop stores across Japan
This product features a light, sherbet-like mouthfeel, making it perfect for refreshing yourself as the weather warms up.
Starting April 6: 20 Yen Discount Campaign for the Classic “Frozen Yogurt”
To celebrate the launch of the new product, a campaign will also be held where you can purchase Ministop’s “undisputed classic” plain Frozen Yogurt at a discount.
From April 6 to April 26, the standard “Frozen Yogurt” will be sold at 20 yen off its regular price. This staple product is known for its incredible commitment to a recipe that hasn’t changed since the company started. By using high-quality ingredients without stabilizers or emulsifiers, the secret to its popularity lies in the direct taste of the yogurt itself. Low in calories, it has been loved for many years as a healthy dessert.
- Campaign Period: April 6 (Monday) – April 26 (Sunday)
- Target Product: Frozen Yogurt (Plain)
- Special Price: 118 yen (approx. $0.79 USD; 127.44 yen including tax / approx. $0.85 USD)
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Regular price 138 yen discounted by 20 yen.
Released April 7: “Choco Mint & Cookie Monaka” with an Addictive Crunchy Texture
On April 7, a “Monaka” ice cream featuring the Choco Mint flavor—which has a cult following in Japan—will make its debut.
The “Choco Mint & Cookie Monaka” wraps ice cream in a “Monaka” (a thin, crispy wafer shell inspired by traditional Japanese sweets). Its most prominent feature is the powerful “crunchy” texture created by the inner chocolate coating and black cookies. The refreshing mint flavor spreads through your mouth, providing a satisfying treat. This high-impact item is perfect for an April afternoon as temperatures begin to rise.
- Product Name: Choco Mint & Cookie Monaka
- Price: 220 yen (approx. $1.47 USD; 237.60 yen including tax / approx. $1.58 USD)
- Release Date: April 7 (Tuesday)
- Available at: Ministop stores across Japan
The balance between the cooling sensation of the mint and the sweetness of the chocolate and cookies is exquisite, ensuring you won’t get tired of the texture until the very last bite.
Released April 14: Recreating a Signature Sweet – “Halo-halo style Ramune Ice Bar”
In mid-April, on the 14th, a product that reimagines Ministop’s iconic “Halo-halo” dessert as an ice cream bar will make a return.
The “Halo-halo style Ramune Ice Bar” was previously released in 2024 and 2025 to high acclaim. It is modeled after Ministop’s signature “Halo-halo Ramune.” The outside is a rich soft-serve flavored ice, while the inside combines ramune-flavored (Japanese lemon-lime soda) ice packed with yellow peach pulp and nata de coco. It’s an ice cream bar full of the playful spirit typical of Japanese konbini, offering different textures and flavors with every bite.
- Product Name: Halo-halo style Ramune Ice Bar
- Price: 190 yen (approx. $1.27 USD; 205.20 yen including tax / approx. $1.37 USD)
- Release Date: April 14 (Tuesday)
- Available at: Ministop stores across Japan
The experience of the refreshing ramune, the unique texture of nata de coco, and the rich soft-serve style ice coming together is a joy unique to Ministop.
Released April 21: A Nostalgic Japanese Flavor – “Strawberry Jam & Butter-style Ice Bar”
The grand finale of the four-week release is a unique ice cream bar reminiscent of a retro Japanese breakfast.
The “Strawberry Jam & Butter-style Ice Bar,” releasing April 21, is inspired by the classic Japanese combination of “strawberry jam and margarine” often found in local bread culture. Within the rich butter-flavored ice lies a thick, sweet, and tart strawberry jam. It offers the same excitement as “Dagashi” (affordable and nostalgic Japanese snacks) and is attractive for its budget-friendly price.
- Product Name: Strawberry Jam & Butter-style Ice Bar
- Price: 120 yen (approx. $0.80 USD; 129.60 yen including tax / approx. $0.86 USD)
- Release Date: April 21 (Tuesday)
- Available at: Ministop stores across Japan
Despite the reasonable price of 120 yen, it is a high-performance treat where you can fully enjoy the richness of butter and the sweetness of strawberries.
Enjoy the Spring Ice Cream Festival at Ministop Japan!
Ministop’s four-week consecutive release of new products showcases the essence of Japanese konbini culture: cherishing traditional favorites while constantly providing new surprises. From refreshing frozen yogurt to unique ice cream bars, the lineup is flawless.
With new flavors arriving every Tuesday, if you are visiting Japan during this period, be sure to check the freezer cases at Ministop. You are bound to find your new favorite flavor.
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