Japenese food-tech company Kinish has launched The Rice Creamery, a new plant-based ice cream brand that uses rice instead of milk.

The ice cream aims to provide an inclusive offering, suitable for consumers who are plant-based and those with milk allergies. It is launching initially in three varieities: Honoka, Master’s Uji Matcha and Elegant Dutch Chocolate.

Honoka is the ‘original’ flavour, crafted with rice and cashew nut paste to create a ‘mellow and deep’ flavour with ‘a touch of Japanese elegance’.

The Master’s Uji Matcha adds Uji matcha tea from Hotta Katsutaro Shoten, aiming to offer consumers ‘the true flavour of matcha’ in an ice cream format.

Finally, the Elegant Dutch Chocolate product features the addition of Dutch cocoa powder, produced using the traditional process method developed in the Netherlands. It was developed to celebrate Japan’s chocolate history, with the Netherlands thought to have been the first to bring the indulgent confectionery favourite to the country.

The Rice Creamery’s products provide 113-122 kcal per cup, as well as 60% less sugar compared to traditional regular fat ice cream products. It is also claimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 62% in comparison to dairy ice cream.

The products are now available to consumers in Japan through selected retailers, at a suggested retail price of JPY 347 (approx. $2.40).