Most popular desserts in Japan 2023
Ice cream was rated the most popular dessert in Japan. According to a survey conducted in October 2023,
Vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream are considered the most popular ice cream flavors in Japan, while traditional Japanese flavorings like matcha and adzuki beans did not fall behind in popularity. For consumers looking for a more unique experience, manufacturers offer the frozen treat in bold flavors inspired by tofu, squid ink, soy sauce, wasabi, or garlic.
However, despite not ranking high as a consumer favorite, steady retail sales of Western confectionery hint at a lucrative market, which include waffles, pies, cream puffs, and other Western pastry-like confectioneries.
A unique experience: Japan’s ice cream flavors
In 2022, over 169 thousand kiloliters of ice cream were sold in Japan, which translates into a domestic sales value of over 162 billion Japanese yen. As the majority of ice cream is produced by domestic manufacturers, the flavors are customized to cater to local preferences.Vanilla, chocolate, and cookies and cream are considered the most popular ice cream flavors in Japan, while traditional Japanese flavorings like matcha and adzuki beans did not fall behind in popularity. For consumers looking for a more unique experience, manufacturers offer the frozen treat in bold flavors inspired by tofu, squid ink, soy sauce, wasabi, or garlic.
Sweets in Japan: Between tradition and innovation
The domestic market encompasses a wide array of sweets, ranging from traditional Japanese confectionery (wagashi) to Western-style baked goods. Wagashi ranked in fourth place as the most popular dessert among Japanese consumers. The traditional confectionery made up an integral part of the confectionery production in Japan, rivaling the importance of the chocolate.However, despite not ranking high as a consumer favorite, steady retail sales of Western confectionery hint at a lucrative market, which include waffles, pies, cream puffs, and other Western pastry-like confectioneries.
