The premix manufacturer Texture Maker launched a vegan version of their popular mochi donut mix to meet the increasing demand for vegan products.

The mochi donut craze

Nowadays, bakery goods need to appeal to the eye. Visually striking snacks are more likely to be shared on social media and ultimately sell better, which is the case for mochi donuts. This hybrid between American doughnuts and Japanese mochi is shaped into eight small balls connected into a circle that is easy to pull apart and resembles a bracelet. Aside from this unique shape, mochi donuts can be decorated with countless combinations of colorful glazes and toppings, making them particularly popular on Tik Tok and Instagram.

“Mochi donuts are trending online because they are incredibly fun to look at. Before even biting into it, consumers can't help but snap and post a picture of their mochi donut. There is something so delightful about them,” shares Tammy Liu, Vice President of Texture Maker.

Conscious indulgence

With the launch of the vegan version of their mochi donut mix, Texture Maker is tapping into the “conscious indulgence” trend. Vegan products continue to gain in popularity within the mainstream culture. More people are reaching for plant-based snacks, motivated by the desire to make healthier and more ethical choices. Studies found that 39% of US consumers are actively trying to incorporate more vegan foods into their diets¹ and over a third of bakery buyers aged 18-44 claim to be interested in buying vegan sweet treats².

Delivering on texture

A mochi donut is lightly crispy on the outside and fluffy and chewy on the inside. The goal behind this launch was to satisfy the demand for plant-based treats while maintaining the iconic bouncy texture of mochi donuts. To do so, Texture Maker’s food scientists used the stretching properties of soy protein combined with the high water absorption and structural support capabilities of natural rice flour. “Texture is what we are known for. We wanted to create a vegan product that did not compromise on taste or mouthfeel to meet the high-quality standards our customers are accustomed to and expect from us," explains Liu.

Saving on raw materials

With the Vegan Mochi Donut Mix, Texture Maker also aims to provide greater value to customers. It allows bakers to make delicious vegan donuts by simply adding vegetable oil and water to the mix. This simplifies the preparation process for more efficiency and helps customers to save on raw material costs.

“For us, this is the continuation of a journey on the better-for-you segment. We are currently experimenting with new innovative ingredients and developing new plant-based and gluten-free options,” concludes Liu.

Texture Maker

Texture Maker Enterprise Co., Ltd. is a food ingredient R&D center and premix specialist. Among a team of 140 members, experienced food scientists are dedicated to designing innovative textures and international marketers closely monitor global trends. Texture Maker provides business partners with an array of support and tailor-made services.

References

¹ Nielsen IQ Homescan survey 2019

² CSM Bakery Solutions, American Bakery U&A 2020