Every time Trader Joe's releases a new mochi flavor, I'm the first one digging through the freezer section. This time, I spotted something bright and unexpected - Trader Joe's Blood Orange Mochi. I had just finished my bag of green tea ones, so naturally, I had to grab a box. And wow - this one's unlike any other flavor they've done.
Location in store
You'll find the Blood Orange Mochi in the frozen dessert section, right next to the other mochi varieties and ice cream novelties. It's a seasonal flavor, so if you spot it, definitely don't wait too long to try it. I always keep a box in my freezer because it disappears fast once fall products roll in.
Taste test
The first thing I noticed after opening the box was the gorgeous color - a soft orange-pink rice dough wrapped around a creamy citrus ice cream. Once you let it sit for a few minutes, the outer layer gets perfectly chewy while the inside stays cold and creamy.
The flavor surprised me. Instead of being sweet like orange sherbet, it's more tart - bright and zesty with that classic blood orange tang. It has just enough creaminess to round it out without tasting heavy.
I also love that it's refreshing. Most mochi can feel rich after a couple bites, but this one actually makes you want another. It melts a bit faster than the usual mochi flavors, though, so I'd suggest eating it right after taking it out of the freezer.
A little bit of history
Mochi ice cream is a Japanese-inspired dessert made from chewy rice dough filled with ice cream. Trader Joe's has carried mochi for years - vanilla, chocolate, green tea - but blood orange is one of their more creative seasonal takes. Blood oranges are a bit special themselves: they're sweeter and more complex than regular oranges, with a hint of berry flavor that gives this mochi its unique twist.
It's a fun fusion of Japanese and Mediterranean flavors - chewy rice dough meets Italian citrus - and somehow, it just works.
Similar products
If you enjoy this one, try these next:
- Trader Joe's Mini Hold the Cone! Strawberry Ice Cream Cones
- Trader Joe's Strawberry Mochi - a classic, creamy fruit flavor
- Trader Joe's Green Tea Mochi - a smooth, earthy contrast to the citrusy brightness
- Trader Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream - another seasonal treat for fall dessert lovers
- Trader Joe's Salted Maple Ice Cream- seasonal treat
Final thoughts
Trader Joe's Blood Orange Mochi is a hit in my house. It's refreshing, a little tangy, and just different enough to stand out from the rest of the mochi lineup. The bright citrus flavor feels like sunshine in dessert form, and paired with cream cheese and honey, it's my new favorite afternoon treat.
If you see it in the freezer aisle, grab a box before it disappears. I'm giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars for creativity and that bold, blood-orange twist that totally works.
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