Dango (mitarashi / kushi dango)

Various wagashi makers · Japan
Snacks & Sweets Wagashi Chilled Emerging

Skewered glutinous-rice dumplings, typically with sweet-soy mitarashi glaze or azuki, a quintessential fresh wagashi. Highly perishable, so overseas availability is mostly via chilled/frozen specialty importers or made-fresh by overseas Japanese cafes. Strong cultural recognition but among the hardest wagashi to export.

The supplierMultiple wagashi makers; fresh dango is highly perishable so export relies on frozen/advanced-freezing producers and individually-packed shelf-stable versions.
Why it sells abroadChewy rice dumplings with sweet-savory mitarashi glaze; instantly recognizable festival sweet; frozen-then-thaw delivers authentic texture abroad.

Buyer's brief ✓ SOURCES VERIFIED

CertificationsRice-flour base plant-based; mitarashi sauce (soy/sugar) — verify soy sauce + facility for Halal/Kosher. Generally gelatin-free/vegan-leaning. Halal: not publicly verified. Kosher: not publicly verified. HACCP / ISO 22000 plausible for frozen/export makers but not SKU-confirmed. Category-level entry.
Pack formatsRetail: skewers of 3-5 balls, multipack trays; frozen retail packs. Typical case: frozen tray x packs x master carton. (keep claimed)
Shelf lifeVery short fresh (1-2 days); frozen ~6-12 months. Export effectively frozen-only. (keep claimed)
StorageFrozen at -18C; consume soon after thaw.
Minimum orderTypical: frozen FCL/reefer minimums; importer case lots via frozen distributor.
Lead timeTypical: 4-8 weeks (frozen production/scheduling).
CapacityFrozen-confectionery makers moderate-high.
Container loadTypical: reefer/frozen container (-18°C).
PricingEstimate: JPY ~150-350 per multipack FOB.
OEM / private labelPlausible — frozen wagashi makers offer OEM. Verify per chosen supplier (not confirmed for a specific maker here).
Wholesale & MOQFrozen-logistics importers; specialty wagashi suppliers; MOQ by case under cold chain
Key exporters & distributorsFrozen-logistics importers, Japanese wagashi makers
Export regulationRice base (often gluten-free claimable); soy (mitarashi) allergen; very short fresh shelf life (days) needs Chilled/Frozen; choking-hazard advisory expected.
Market demandGrowing in frozen-Asian-dessert retail US/TW/HK/SG/CA; wagashi/matcha-cafe trend; viral mochi-texture appeal.
How to source itFrozen-wagashi makers (advanced-freezing) export & OEM; frozen-foods importers; FOODEX; JETRO/GFP. (keep claimed)
MakerMultiple Japanese wagashi makers
OriginJapan
CategorySnacks & Sweets / Wagashi
Available inUnited States, Taiwan, Hong Kong +2 more
HandlingChilled
Price tierMid
ChannelSpecialty
Export readinessEmerging
HS code1905.90
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Profile maintained by Japonity (japonity.com), May 2026. General sourcing information only — confirm current availability, pricing, MOQ and the destination market's import rules with the maker or exporter before contracting. Japonity is not affiliated with this brand.