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My/Mochi, the pioneer of the modern mochi ice cream category, has announced the nationwide debut of its Cotton Candy variant. The launch represents a strategic effort to capitalise on the "nostalgia-led" snacking movement, transitioning a traditional carnival profile into a portion-controlled, functional format designed for the summer trading season.

The move is a direct response to high-velocity consumer requests, positioning the brand to capture incremental sales from "kidult" demographics seeking whimsical yet clean-label indulgence.

Alignment with Sensory and Social Trends

The introduction of Cotton Candy addresses a shift in the frozen dessert aisle toward "experiential" snacking. Brigette Wolf, Chief Marketing Officer at My/Mochi, stated that the brand is focused on enabling consumers to experience "playful, sensorial joy."

By targeting the "sensorial" experience, My/Mochi is de-risking its entry into the high-intent Gen Z and Millennial markets. The vibrant visual profile and unique texture of the mochi—combining a pillowy rice dough with premium ice cream—are engineered to drive engagement on social platforms like TikTok, where "unboxing" and "texture-reveal" content continues to see record engagement.

Technical Formulation and Ingredient Integrity

A primary technical differentiator for this launch is the adherence to a strict "no-artificials" protocol. Replicating the high-intensity sweetness and neon aesthetics of cotton candy without synthetic additives requires significant R&D rigour.

Technical Specifications

• Clean Label Profile: Formulated without artificial flavours, colours, or dyes, meeting the procurement standards of premium mass-market and natural retailers.

• Textural Contrast: The product utilises the brand’s signature double-layer architecture, premium ice cream encased in a soft, gluten-free rice dough, to provide a multi-textured mouthfeel that mimics the "melt-away" sensation of traditional cotton candy.

• Dietary Versatility: The SKU is certified nut-free and gluten-free, allowing it to compete in the "inclusive" snacking segment.

• Caloric Control: At 70 calories per unit, the product is positioned as a "permissible indulgence," appealing to health-conscious consumers managing daily caloric loads.

By pricing the 6-count box at an accessible $5.99, My/Mochi is securing its role as a primary infrastructure provider for the "liquid-adjacent" snacking occasion. As the brand continues to refresh its portfolio with fan-favourite profiles, its ability to maintain technical quality while scaling into high-velocity seasonal trends will be essential for defending its market-leading position in the mochi category throughout 2026.