You scream; I scream, we all scream for 7-Eleven ice cream?

Before coming to Japan, I had heard from various sources that the country’s dairy offerings weren’t particularly strong. This perception stemmed from the fact that dairy was not traditionally part of the Japanese diet until after World War II, and even then, it primarily consisted of processed cheese and a gradual introduction of other dairy products. Additionally, a significant portion of the population is lactose intolerant to varying degrees.

I had low expectations for dairy in general when I arrived in Japan. However, as the hot summer dragged on, I began to realize that there was one area in which Japan excelled: ice cream. In fact, it soon became one of my favourite treats to keep stocked in my freezer. I am specifically talking about Japan's ice cream selection, particularly the seasonal and regular offerings from 7-Eleven.

I have previously discussed 7-Eleven on my blog and how they view the introduction of seasonal products to engage customers. This strategy helps them identify which products are successful and which are not. They also offer two distinct product ranges: one at a slightly lower price point and another premium range, which usually features higher-quality ingredients and is priced accordingly. This approach applies to their ice cream offerings as well.

It wasn’t until I settled down and became familiar with my local stores that I noticed the monthly changes in their products. This can be both a blessing and a curse, as I often find myself preferring the new seasonal items and feeling very disappointed when they disappear from the shelves. I will miss you, spicy chicken sandwich; I long to eat you again someday. The same goes for the chocolate Charlotte cake slice— that thing was incredibly soft and sweet.

Picture this: Becca is a hot, sweaty mess as she cycles home from a long day of wearing a suit and waistcoat. Suddenly, she gets a craving for something sweet and cold, like a cat demanding food it comes out of nowhere. When she walks into the 7-Eleven, she greets one of the workers who often chats with her about Pokémon and cookies.

She makes her way to the ice cream section and picks up a tempting-looking chocolate ice cream with chocolate sauce. As she starts eating the ice cream, time seems to stop because it’s just so good. Really good. Becca begins to wonder if she’s been missing out on ice cream all this time. Until now, her experience with ice cream had mostly been at Baskin-Robbins, but to be honest, she never really enjoyed it that much because it’s expensive and usually only sold in cinemas in the UK.

That was essentially how it unfolded. I ended up going back to the store the very next day to pick up some more varieties, and my freezer quickly became well-stocked with different types of ice cream. I was aware of the fleeting nature of snacks at 7-Eleven, so I started to make it a ritual to buy new ice creams in multiples and add them to my collection.

So far, I have enjoyed the chocolate crepe filled with chocolate ice cream and sauce, as well as a tub of Meiji ice cream topped with a hardened layer of chocolate and a melted layer of chocolate sauce within. This ice cream comes closest to my true favourite, Ben & Jerry's! This ice cream had everything going for it; it provided a multidimensional experience with its combination of hard chocolate and soft textures alongside the rich ice cream. Meiji chocolate is one of the oldest brands in Japan, and it's no wonder their ice creams taste so good.

All the ice creams I have tried so far in Japan go hard! The chocolate flavours are very good and the few times I have opted for fruity flavours they are also very satisfying usually coming with pieces of fruit in them. There's also a unique dessert called raw chocolate, which is a block of frozen chocolate ice cream. This chocolate typically has a strong yet milky flavour and is dusted with cocoa powder. I highly recommend trying it if you visit Japan, as it quickly became one of my favourite ice creams. The variety of ice creams available in Japan is impressive, and I would say this is one area of dairy where Japan excels in.

Summers in Japan are hot and seemingly endless. Interestingly, it is traditional to eat ice cream during the winter because it is believed to raise body temperature. As a result, ice cream is available year-round, allowing convenience stores to experiment with new and exciting variations of this beloved treat. Next time you are in Japan have a peek at the ice cream section and treat yourself! You will not be disappointed.