[New York, NY] — [December 1, 2025] — Issei—the world’s first mochi candy brand—is unveiling three brand-new limited-edition flavors for the holiday season: Dark Chocolate–Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies, Dark Chocolate–Covered Coconut Mochi Gummies, and Dark Chocolate–Covered Peppermint Mochi Gummies.
Two of the three flavors—Cherry and Coconut—will be available exclusively at Sprouts Farmers Market through the retailer’s limited-time Forager program from December to February,, while Peppermint will launch nationwide at Sprouts, Haggen and online for the holidays.
Designed to capture the warmth, nostalgia, and celebratory spirit of the season, each flavor pairs Issei’s signature pillowy mochi texture with a rich dark chocolate shell:
- Dark Chocolate–Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies: A juicy, tart cherry mochi center wrapped in decadent dark chocolate, echoing the classic cherry cordial in a modern, chewy format.
- Dark Chocolate–Covered Coconut Mochi Gummies: A creamy coconut mochi interior coated in smooth dark chocolate, bringing a tropical twist to indulgence for the holidays.
- Dark Chocolate–Covered Peppermint Mochi Gummies: A fresh peppermint mochi center encased in dark chocolate, delivering a delicious, festive bite designed to become a winter favorite.
All three debut flavors reflect Issei’s continued mission to innovate within the candy aisle by harmonizing joyful flavor combinations with the unique tradition of mochi and creating unexpected texture and flavor combinations.
A Milestone Holiday Collection
“We are excited to expand our flavor universe with something bold, joyful, and completely new for this seasonal offering,” said Mika Shino, Founder & CEO of Issei. “Each of these flavors brings its own personality—peppermint for festive nostalgia, cherry for bold indulgence, and coconut for creamy comfort. We are excited to launch all three this year and to partner with Sprouts to offer two exclusive Forager flavors.”
These limited-edition confections are gluten-free, soy-free, gelatin-free, and made with natural flavors and colors, making them inclusive additions to holiday tables, stockings, gift baskets, and seasonal snacking moments.
A Rapidly Rising Brand
Since its launch at Whole Foods Market in 2022, Issei has expanded its retail footprint by over 3,400%, now appearing in close to 6,000 stores nationwide, including Target, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts, Albertsons, World Market, and Raley’s. Its growing digital presence on Amazon, TikTok Shop, and Faire continues to bring its joyful mochi confections to a wide and enthusiastic audience. Issei recently went viral on Tik Tok, garnering nearly 3 million views and selling out of stock within 20 hours.
Issei’s innovative candy format has garnered wide industry acclaim, including the Most Innovative New Product Award at the 2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo, the 2024 Nourish Award, and features in Inc. Magazine, Success Magazine, FoodBev Media, TasteTV, NOSH, and ExpoWest. Founder Mika Shino was named to Inc. Magazine’s 2024 Female Founders 200 and recognized by Success Magazine as a Woman of Influence.
Celebrating Heritage Through Modern Innovation
Rooted in the centuries-old Japanese tradition of mochi—a symbol of joy, prosperity, togetherness and celebration—Issei continues to bring cultural heritage and innovative creativity to today’s confectionery landscape. This trio of new holiday flavors furthers the brand’s mission to craft joyful treats that spark delight in every bite.
About Issei Mochi Gummies
Founded in 2022, Issei Mochi Gummies is the world’s first mochi candy brand—rooted in the simple, heartfelt family moment when founder Mika Shino began making mochi cakes that she cut into small pieces and called ‘gummies’ in her kitchen for her own children. That loving homemade project blossomed into a breakthrough gummies that injected innovation into the candy category and honored her Japanese heritage with joy-filled ingredients that she can feel good about when giving to her kids. Today, Issei’s pillowy confections are sold in close to 6,000 retailers nationwide—including Target, Whole Foods Market, Albertsons, Walmart, Sprouts, and World Market—and online via Amazon, TikTok Shop, and Faire, continuing its mission to spark joy in people’s lives through the small pleasures of a sweet treat.
Media Contact:
Kat Gamao
Issei Mochi Gummies
[email protected]