J. Sweets + Mochicream

Operating out of mini-stores inside Mitsuwa supermarkets in Costa Mesa and Irvine, as well as seven other locations in the U.S. and Canada, J. Sweets is one of three retail brands operated by Jalux Americas, an importer of goods from Japan. As one might guess, J. Sweets sells Japanese sweets from various brands, notably including a collection of unique Mochicream rice cake treats unlike any found elsewhere in the area.

Instead of filling every one of the mochi with freezer-safe ice cream or bean paste, many include ingredients that are meant to be consumed very shortly after purchase. They’re sold individually for $2.90 to $3.20, or in a 12-flavor assortment for $40.10, including a “box fee” for the included gift box.

Caramel Pudding is filled with actual flan and liquid caramel, while Raspberry Mille Feuille has actual pie filling and crisp layers inside, similar to a delicious Apple Pie mochi that arrived as a limited edition. Other options, including uji kintoki (green tea) and sakura, provide ice creamy centers with famously Japanese flavors.