Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies: Calories, Nutrition Facts โ
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Perplexity Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies offer 120 calories per 31g pouch (about 6 pieces), with 22g carbs, 13g sugar, 1g protein, and 4g fat. The cherry flavor is a seasonal variety in the dark chocolate line โ gelatin-free, made with real cane sugar, colored with beet juice, and free from artificial dyes. This treat combines rich dark chocolate with a soft rice-and-tapioca mochi base, flavored with natural cherry extracts.
Quick Nutrition Facts โ
Per About 6 pieces (1 pouch)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
Macronutrient Breakdown โ
NUTRITIONIST'S INSIGHT
At 120 calories per pouch, these are a lighter indulgence than most chocolate-covered candies. However, all 13g of sugar is added sugar โ 26% of the daily recommended limit in one small pack. The dark chocolate coating contributes trace flavanols (antioxidants), though the quantity is modest compared to high-cocoa dark chocolate bars. The rice flour and tapioca syrup base creates a medium-to-high glycemic load. For blood sugar management, pair with a small handful of nuts or consume as part of a mixed meal rather than a standalone snack.
Myth Busters โ
MYTH #1: Cherry mochi gummies are a natural or fruit-based candy
TRUTH: The cherry flavor comes entirely from natural flavors (flavor compounds), not from real cherry fruit or juice. There are no cherry pieces or cherry puree in the ingredient list. The color comes from beet juice. Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market; ISSEI Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Goodies Snack Shop
MYTH #2: These are vegan because they are gelatin-free
TRUTH: While Issei mochi gummies are gelatin-free (a key brand differentiator), the dark chocolate coating contains milk fat, making this product not fully vegan. It is vegetarian-friendly but not vegan. Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market; Issei Mochi Gummies โ Official Brand Website
MYTH #3: Dark chocolate makes this a health food
TRUTH: The dark chocolate coating does contribute trace cocoa flavanols, but the coating is thin (chocolate is the first ingredient in a small proportion relative to the mochi base). The dominant nutritional profile is sugar-driven, with 13g of added sugars per serving. Health benefits from dark chocolate require regular consumption of high-flavanol, high-cacao-percentage chocolate, not small coatings on candy. Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate โ Cocoa Flavanol Effects on Cardiovascular Risk; Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market
MYTH #4: At only 120 calories, you can eat the whole bag guilt-free
TRUTH: The 120 calorie figure is per serving (31g / about 6 pieces). The 4 oz bag contains approximately 3.5 servings, totaling roughly 420 calories and 45.5g of added sugar for the whole bag โ more than two days' worth of added sugar per American Heart Association guidelines. Added Sugars โ American Heart Association Dietary Recommendations; Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market
MYTH #5: Mochi gummies are low in sugar because they are Japanese-inspired
TRUTH: Traditional Japanese mochi is typically made with glutinous rice and minimal added sugar. Issei's commercial product uses tapioca syrup, cane sugar, invert syrup, and modified tapioca starch โ 13g of added sugar per 31g serving, making it a high-sugar confection regardless of its cultural inspiration. Mochi in Japanese Food Culture โ Historical and Cultural Context; Added Sugars โ American Heart Association Dietary Recommendations
NutriScore by Health Goals โ
| Health Goal | NutriScore | Why This Score? |
|---|---|---|
| Weight loss |  | 120 calories per small 31g pouch is moderate for a treat, but the high added sugar content (13g) and easy overconsumption from the multi-serve bag format make this a poor weight-loss snack choice. Added Sugars โ American Heart Association Dietary Recommendations; Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market |
| Muscle gain |  | Only 1g protein per serving โ too low to meaningfully support muscle protein synthesis. Not a useful pre- or post-workout snack for those prioritizing gains. Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market |
| Blood sugar management |  | The rice flour and tapioca syrup base carries a moderate-to-high glycemic index, and 13g of added sugars per small serving will raise blood glucose quickly. Not recommended for diabetics or those managing insulin sensitivity as a standalone snack. Glycemic Index of Rice and Tapioca-Based Confections; Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market |
| Heart health |  | Low sodium (10mg) is a positive, and the dark chocolate coating provides small amounts of cocoa flavanols. However, 13g of added sugar per serving is a concern โ high added sugar intake is linked to cardiovascular risk. Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate โ Cocoa Flavanol Effects on Cardiovascular Risk; Added Sugars โ American Heart Association Dietary Recommendations |
| Low sugar | | All 13g of sugar per serving is added sugar โ 26% of daily recommended intake in 31g of candy. This is not a low-sugar food by any standard. Added Sugars โ American Heart Association Dietary Recommendations; Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market |
| Mindful treat | | Portion-controlled single-serve pouches make mindful eating easier. The pillowy mochi texture encourages slow eating. Gelatin-free and dye-free with natural colorants (beet juice). A solid occasional treat choice versus traditional gummy candy. Issei Mochi Gummies โ Official Brand Website; Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market |
| Allergy-friendly | | Free from gluten, gelatin, and artificial dyes. However, contains milk fat and is produced in a facility handling peanuts, soy, tree nuts, wheat, egg, and sesame โ not safe for those with dairy allergies or severe cross-contamination sensitivities. Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market |
PERSONALIZED NUTRITION
Track your meals with NutriScan for personalized NutriScores based on your specific health goals!
Blood Sugar Response to Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ
Understanding how Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies affects blood glucose can help with timing and meal pairing. Glycemic Index of Rice and Tapioca-Based Confections; Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies โ Sprouts Farmers Market
Typical Glucose Response Curve โ
**Not medical advice**
How to flatten the spike โ
- Keep the portion to the labelled serving and avoid eating straight from the bag or tray.
- Pair it with a protein or fibre source, such as Greek yogurt, eggs, lentils, beans, salad, or edamame, when you want steadier appetite and glucose control.
- Avoid pairing it with sugary drinks; choose water, unsweetened tea, or coffee so the snack does not become a larger sugar load.
Cultural Significance โ
Issei Mochi Gummies were founded by Japanese-American entrepreneur Mika Shino, drawing on the centuries-old Japanese tradition of mochi โ glutinous rice cakes with a signature chewy texture. The brand reimagines this culinary heritage as an accessible Western candy format, replacing gelatin (common in gummy bears) with a rice and tapioca base inspired by mochi's texture. The dark chocolate cherry variety represents a seasonal innovation that layers Western confectionery traditions (chocolate-covered candy) with the Japanese mochi texture philosophy. The company name 'Issei' (ไธไธ) refers to first-generation Japanese immigrants in the U.S., symbolizing the bridge between cultures.
Compare & Substitute โ
Issei Dark Chocolate Covered Cherry Mochi Gummies vs Similar Foods
| Nutrient | Issei Dark Chocolate Strawberry Mochi Gummies | Issei Original Mochi Gummies (unflavored) | YumEarth Organic Cherry Gummies | Dark Chocolate-Covered Cherries (Chukar Cherries or similar) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal | 120 kcal | 150 kcal | 130 kcal |
| Protein | 1g | 1g | 4g | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 28g | 20g | 15g |
| Fat | 0.5g | 0.5g | 6g | 7g |
Frequently Asked Questions โ
How many calories are in Issei Dark Chocolate Cherry Mochi Gummies? โ
One serving (about 6 pieces / 31g) contains 120 calories. The full 4 oz bag has approximately 3.5 servings, totaling around 420 calories.
Are Issei cherry mochi gummies vegan? โ
No. While they are gelatin-free (a key brand differentiator), the dark chocolate coating contains milk fat, making this product not fully vegan. It is vegetarian-friendly.
Are these cherry mochi gummies gluten-free? โ
Yes โ the product does not contain wheat-based ingredients and uses rice flour and tapioca starch as its base. However, Issei notes the product is produced in a facility that handles wheat, so those with severe celiac disease should exercise caution.
Is the cherry mochi gummy a seasonal product? โ
Yes. The dark chocolate cherry flavor is described by Issei and retailers as a seasonal, limited small-batch offering. It may not be available year-round, unlike the original mochi gummy flavors.
How does the cherry flavor compare nutritionally to the strawberry version? โ
Almost identically โ both have 120 calories, 22g carbs, 13g sugar, ~1g protein per 31g serving. The main differences are the flavoring agent and color source (beet juice for cherry vs. other natural colorants for strawberry).
Where can I buy Issei cherry mochi gummies? โ
Issei cherry mochi gummies have been stocked at Sprouts Farmers Market (UPC: 00850036141730) and specialty snack retailers like Goodies Snack Shop. As a seasonal item, availability varies. Check the Issei brand website at mochigummies.com for a store locator.
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