How mochi donuts became an Instagram favorite
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through foodie accounts or dessert hashtags lately, chances are you’ve spotted a mochi donut—or several. With their signature bubble-ring shape, chewy texture, and bright glazes, they’ve become one of the most shareable treats on social media. But their rise to fame didn’t happen overnight.
Mochi donuts blend Japanese ingredients with American donut culture, resulting in a dessert that’s both unique to eat and irresistible to post. Let’s dive into how these chewy rings became an Instagram favorite and where you can try one near you.
What makes mochi donuts different
Mochi donuts are made with sweet rice flour (often referred to as glutinous rice flour), which gives them a light, chewy interior—totally different from cake or yeast donuts. They’re typically shaped in a ring made of eight small, connected balls that pull apart easily, adding to their fun, snackable appeal.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Donut type | Main ingredient | Texture | Common shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cake donut | All-purpose flour | Dense, crumbly | Traditional ring |
| Yeast donut | Bread flour + yeast | Fluffy, airy | Ring or filled |
| Mochi donut | Rice flour (mochiko) | Chewy, bouncy | Bubble-ring |
Why they became a social media favorite
Mochi donuts are made for photos and videos. Their colors pop, and their texture is great for bite or pull-apart clips. A few reasons they took over Instagram:
- Eye-catching glazes like matcha, ube, black sesame, and strawberry
- Unique bubble-ring shape that sets them apart
- Limited drops and rotating flavors at local shops drive hype
- Chewy texture that comes across well on camera
From Japan to your local donut shop
The mochi donut originated from Japan’s Mister Donut chain, where the “pon de ring” gained popularity in the early 2000s. American bakers and donut shops began experimenting with similar styles in the late 2010s, especially in cities with strong Asian food scenes.
Now, mochi donuts can be found in shops across the U.S., from small pop-ups to national chains like Mochinut.
Where to find mochi donuts near you
Looking to try one? Mochi donuts are popping up in more cities every month. Some great places to start:
- Discover top picks in /california/san-francisco
- Find filled and glazed options in /texas/houston
- Try seasonal flavors in /florida/orlando
- Explore the best shops in /illinois/chicago
Many of these shops rotate flavors weekly, so there’s always something new to try (and post).
Final thoughts
Mochi donuts offer the perfect mix of texture, flavor, and visual appeal—which is why they’ve taken over social media feeds everywhere. Whether you’re craving something chewy and sweet or just want to snap a photo of your next dessert, mochi donuts are worth the buzz.
Craving more? Head back to our homepage to discover the best donut shops near you.