Issei Mochi Gummies Launches First Ever Chocolate-Covered Mochi Gummies At Whole Foods and Online For Valentines Day

(New York, NY) –  January 15, 2025  – Issei Mochi Gummies, the world's first mochi gummy brand, has officially launched the first-ever Chocolate-Covered Mochi Gummy, now available at Whole Foods Markets nationwide and online at MochiGummies.com. Returning by popular demand just in time for Valentine's Day, this artisanal dark chocolate-covered strawberry Mochi Gummy was introduced in limited quantities last year and sold out within hours. This special dark chocolate-covered strawberry Mochi Gummy treat is available for a limited time in single bags (MSRP: $6.99) or in a Valentines pink box of six bags (MSRP: $41.94).

"After a year of perfecting the manufacturing process with the ideal partners, we're thrilled to bring our most requested product to life. Just in time for Valentine's Day, this groundbreaking treat—a perfect fusion of indulgent dark chocolate and our signature soft, chewy mochi gummy—is truly one of a kind,"  Founder and CEO Mika Shino adds.

Chocolate-Covered Mochi Gummies have earned multiple accolades, including the Most Innovative New Product Award at the Sweets and Snacks Expo organized by the National Confectionery Association, the 2024 Nourish Award, and a finalist spot in the Candy Category for the 2024 Startup CPG Shelfie Award. This recognition highlights the brand's commitment to innovation as it embarks on the next phase of retail expansion, with exciting new flavors and product launches planned for 2025.

Issei Mochi Gummies, the world’s first mochi candy brand, offers a unique textural experience with soft, pillowy, and satisfyingly chewy treats—striking a perfect balance between a gummy bear and a marshmallow. The new chocolate-covered Mochi Gummies are gelatin-free, kosher, and made without artificial colors or flavors. Other Mochi Gummies flavors—sour watermelon, tangerine, strawberry, mango, yuzu, and peach—are shelf-stable, kosher, and free from gluten, dairy, soy, and nuts. Crafted with a commitment to quality, all Issei Mochi Gummies are made without GMOs, animal-derived gelatin, or artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Proudly manufactured in the United States, these innovative gummies can be enjoyed straight from the package or paired with ice cream, yogurt, oatmeal, pudding, or your favorite desserts, offering endless possibilities for indulgence.

Founded in 2022 by first-generation Japanese American entrepreneur Mika Shino, Issei Mochi Gummies has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its physical retail presence by over 1,300%. The brand is now available in more than 2,500 locations across the U.S., including major retailers like Target, Walmart, Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Albertsons Stores, Raley's, Hy-Vee, World Market, Pop Up Grocer, Bestie’s Vegan Paradise, The World Bank, and Central Market. Additionally, Issei collaborates with Compass Group, one of the largest restaurant service providers in the U.S., and exports its products to the Middle East. The company also ships directly to customers in all 50 states, as well as internationally to Canada, via Amazon, Walmart Marketplace, Faire, POD Foods, and Flip.

Mika Shino created Mochi Gummies in her kitchen, inspired by her children’s love for chewy candies and her determination to offer them a healthier alternative. Drawing from her Japanese heritage, she reimagined traditional mochi cakes into a portable, natural snack. Shino’s diverse background includes leadership roles as a United Nations Program Specialist, CEO, COO, producer, and advisor for tech firms, private companies, and celebrities. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School in Paris, she also authored Smart Bites for Baby (Perseus Press, 2011).   Watch Mika Shino talk about the company here on CNN.

With innovation at its heart, Issei has established itself as a premium, natural snack brand, pioneering an entirely new gummy category. Backed by a team of industry experts, Issei is driving transformative growth in the candy sector with an ambitious strategy that includes multiple first-to-market product lines in development.

Rooted in the ancient Japanese tradition of mochi—a cherished rice-based delicacy with centuries of history, often enjoyed during sacred ceremonies, celebrations, and expressions of gratitude—Issei Mochi Gummies redefines snacking. The brand delivers an unmatched textural experience and clean, junk-free ingredients, making its gummies one of the purest snacks available. Designed with inclusivity in mind, Issei’s gummies meet the highest dietary standards and are suitable for a wide range of lifestyles.  Issei’s mission is clear: to create innovative, better-for-you food options that support happier, healthier lives. The brand ensures that everyone can enjoy delicious snacks that align with their values. The name “Issei,” meaning “first-generation Japanese immigrants in the U.S.,” reflects the hope and determination of immigrants bringing the best of their heritage to their new home.

Issei Mochi Gummies Awards

2024 Sweets & Snacks Expo - Most Innovative New Product Award - Small Business Innovator  - Chocolate-Covered Mochi Gummies- Winner

2024 Nourish Awards -Chocolate-Covered Mochi Gummies-Winner

2024 Startup CPG Shelfie Award - Candy Category- Finalist

2024 Inc. Magazine’s 2024 Female Founders Issue (Cover of Magazine Mika Shino +  Ranked at #2 on the 200 female founder list -Winner

2024  Success Magazine’s 2024 Women of Influence Award-  Mika Shino-Winner

2024  FoodBev Media’s World Food Innovation Best Confectionary Product Award-Winner

2024 TasteTV’s Best New Chewy Snack Award-Winner

2023 TasteTV’s Best New Packaging and Best Texture Awards-Winner

2023  Stevie Award for the Best Fest Female Entrepreneur - Mika Shino-Winner

2023 Nosh’s Most Innovative New Product and Best of 2023 Awards- Finalist

2023 Best New Sweet Snack 2023 for the Nexty Awards at ExpoWest- Finalist

About Issei Mochi Gummies 

Established in 2022 by first-generation Japanese entrepreneur, Mika Shino, Issei Mochi Gummies embraces the ancient Japanese tradition of mochi, a beloved rice-based confection with centuries of history. Issei Mochi Gummies redefines snacking, empowering Asian heritage with innovation, creating the world’s first shelf stable mochi candies, offering unparalleled texture together with natural, subtle flavors and colors. Suitable for a wide range of lifestyles, these gummies are meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards of dietary inclusivity. The fruit gummy candy is shelf-stable, kosher, and free of gluten, dairy, soy and nuts. Most importantly, these delicious, chewy treats are crafted with a commitment to non-GMOs, and free of animal-derived gelatin, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.  The first of its kind, Issei Mochi Gummies are readily accessible nationwide and also ships direct-to-customers in all 50 states and internationally to Canada, Middle East, and on Amazon.  Available flavors include Strawberry, Mango, Sour Watermelon, Tangerine, Yuzu and Peach.  Issei’s mission is simple: to innovate better food options for a happier, healthier life, ensuring everyone can enjoy delicious snacks that align with their values.