Last reviewed May 2026 · 1 min read

Is Mochi (Daifuku) vegan?

Also known as: Japanese rice cake, Daifukumochi, Glutinous rice cake

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In short

It depends — The mochi dough itself is vegan, made from glutinous rice, water, and sugar.

01 · The basics

What is Mochi (Daifuku)?

A Japanese rice cake made from mochigome, a short-grain glutinous rice. Daifuku is a specific type of mochi that is typically round and filled with a sweet paste, most commonly anko (red bean paste).

02 · The source

Where it comes from

The mochi dough itself is vegan, made from glutinous rice, water, and sugar. However, the fillings can vary widely and may include non-vegan ingredients like dairy in ice cream mochi, milk solids in custards, or honey.

03 · Alternatives

Best vegan alternatives

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Frequently asked

FAQ

Is the mochi from brands like My/Mochi or Bubbies vegan?

Their standard mochi ice cream is not vegan because the filling is made with dairy milk. However, both My/Mochi and Bubbies now offer specific product lines of vegan mochi ice cream made with oat milk or other plant-based milks.

Is red bean paste (anko) vegan?

Yes, traditional anko is typically vegan, made by boiling adzuki beans with sugar. It's a common and generally safe filling, but you should always check ingredient lists for rare additives like honey or milk powder.

Is mochi gluten-free?

Yes, authentic mochi is naturally gluten-free. It is made from glutinous rice, which does not contain the same proteins found in wheat, barley, or rye that cause issues for those with gluten sensitivities.

Commonly found in

Japanese dessertsIce cream fillings (mochi ice cream)Soups (ozoni)As a sweet snack