Quick Answer
Mochi is a soft, chewy food made from glutinous rice. According to English Wikipedia, glutinous rice is very low in amylose and high in amylopectin, which gives it a gummy stickiness; traditionally, soaked glutinous rice is steamed and pounded into a dough. In Taiwan, soft mochi, often filled like daifuku, is called muaji. Bubble tea and dessert shops usually knead mochi powder or shiratama (white jade) powder with water at a set ratio to make chewy rice balls and mochi cubes. Wikipedia also warns that mochi is very sticky and elderly people choke on it in Japan every year, so it is best cut into small pieces.
Mochi Ingredients and Properties
| Item | Details (from English Wikipedia “Mochi”) |
|---|---|
| Ingredient | Short-grain japonica glutinous rice |
| Property | Low amylose, high amylopectin, giving a gummy stickiness |
| Traditional method | Soak glutinous rice overnight, steam it, then pound it with wooden mallets in a mortar |
| Name in Taiwan | Called muaji (Taiwanese Hokkien moâ-chî) |
How Shops Make Mochi Toppings
- Knead mochi powder or shiratama powder with water at the package ratio.
- Shape: roll into small balls or cut into cubes.
- Cook as directed; once they float, cook a little longer.
- Chill and hold as directed and use within the recommended time.
Follow each product’s package for the ratio, cooking time and storage.
Mochi Topping Pairings
| Drink | Pairing |
|---|---|
| Rice ball fresh milk | White rice balls + fresh milk + brown sugar syrup |
| Matcha mochi latte | Matcha mochi + matcha latte; see How to Make a Matcha Latte |
| Red bean mochi | Mochi + red beans; see How to Use Canned Red Beans and Mung Beans |
| Brown sugar mochi milk tea | Brown sugar mochi + milk tea |
Food Safety Tip
Mochi and rice balls are very sticky. Make them small or cut them into small pieces, and remind elderly customers and children on the menu or package to eat in small bites.
Tang Sugar Mochi Powders
Tang Sugar supplies white jade QQ powder, matcha mochi powder, brown sugar mochi powder and purple sweet potato mochi powder (1 kg bags, 20 bags per carton). See our powders or request samples.
FAQ
What is mochi made of?
Mochi is made from glutinous rice, which is high in amylopectin, giving it a soft, chewy, sticky texture.
Are shiratama balls and mochi the same?
Both are chewy glutinous rice toppings with a similar method and texture; shops usually make them from shiratama or mochi powder at a set ratio.
How do you use mochi powder?
Knead with water at the package ratio, shape and cook, then chill and use within the recommended time.
Is mochi safe to eat?
Mochi is very sticky, so cut it into small pieces and eat in small bites, especially for elderly people and children.
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia: Mochi
- Tang Sugar product list (March 2026 edition)
