The pandemic is still disrupting young people’s careers 
PDG Explores $1 Billion Sale of China Data Center Assets 
Tencent Shares Jump 4% as AI Models Move Toward Paid Commercial Services 
Texas Sues Meta Over WhatsApp Encryption Claims 
Lam Research Expands AI-Powered Semiconductor Tools and Arizona Operations 
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa to Reveal Turnaround Strategy Focused on U.S. Sales and China Partnerships 
X Corp Loses Legal Battle Over Australia Child Safety Fine 
Columbia Student Mahmoud Khalil Fights Arrest as Deportation Case Moves to New Jersey 
Disaster or digital spectacle? The dangers of using floods to create social media content 
Britain has almost 1 million young people not in work or education – here’s what evidence shows can change that 
Goldman Sachs to Pay $500M in 1MDB Shareholder Fraud Settlement 
Want to cut your energy bills? Here’s how five experts are doing it 
Google promotes ‘teacher approved’ apps for kids. Here’s what parents should know 
The American mass exodus to Canada amid Trump 2.0 has yet to materialize 
Time to buy local: war fuel price shocks reveal the folly of a long food supply chain 
The ghost of Robodebt – Federal Court rules billions of dollars in welfare debts must be recalculated 
Can your cat recognise you by scent? New study shows it’s likely 
McDonald’s Japan has introduced the Kinako Mochi and Anko Tsukimi Pie, combining traditional Japanese flavors for this year’s moon-viewing season. While some customers praise the bold addition of kinako, others express nostalgia for the simpler, original Tsukimi Pie.
McDonald’s Expands Tsukimi Offerings with Kinako Mochi and Anko Pie, Celebrating Traditional Flavors
Every autumn, Japan celebrates the custom of tsukimi, or "moon-viewing," a tradition that honors the beauty of the harvest moon. People marked the occasion in the past by enjoying tsukimi dango (moon-viewing dumplings) while gazing at the night sky. However, in recent years, fast-food chains have reinterpreted the tradition with limited-edition offerings.
McDonald’s is one of the chains that participate in this seasonal celebration. While their Tsukimi Burgers have been famous for years, introducing the Tsukimi Pie in 2019 captivated customers. This sweet treat pays homage to tsukimi dango by featuring mochi, a sticky rice cake, in its filling. This year, McDonald’s has launched the Kinako Mochi and Anko Tsukimi Pie, incorporating two other distinctly Japanese ingredients.
The new Kinako Mochi and Anko Tsukimi Pie from McDonald's is a unique blend of traditional Japanese flavors. The nutty, toasted flavor of kinako, the sweetness of anko, and the chewy texture of mochi come together to create a pie that departs from the more straightforward red bean-and-mochi combination of the past.
McDonald’s Kinako Mochi Tsukimi Pie Divides Fans with Its Bold Flavors and Departure from Tradition
The nutty, toasted kinako flavor is pronounced, tasting very much like its powdered form, delivering a robust taste from the first bite and lingering in the aftertaste. The strong presence of kinako gives the impression of a roasted soybean pie, overshadowing the other ingredients for some.
While kinako lovers may find this version delightful, traditionalists who favor the more straightforward red bean-and-mochi combination have expressed mixed feelings. On social media, some praise the innovation and flavor, while others miss the simplicity of the original pie.
In conclusion, the new pie offers a delicious blend of traditional Japanese flavors, but the appeal of the previous version is easy to understand. With the varied responses online, there's hope that McDonald’s may bring back both versions for next year’s tsunami season. The Kinako Mochi and Anko Tsukimi Pie are available until mid-October for 190 yen (US$1.32), alongside a range of other moon-viewing menu items.
