KYOTO, JAPAN — In the traditional heart of Japan’s culinary capital, a quiet revolution is taking place within the world of wagashi (Japanese sweets). For centuries, the backbone of Japanese desserts has been anko—a dense, sweet paste made from azuki beans and significant quantities of cane sugar. However, a modern movement toward "Hakko Anko," or […]

Las Vegas, NV – The dazzling lights of Las Vegas played host to an estimated 17,500 industry professionals last week as the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo descended upon the city. This premier event served as a vibrant marketplace where established food giants like Conagra Brands, Mondelēz International, Ferrero, and Hershey unveiled their latest product […]

A beloved classic takes on a more accessible and delightful form, offering the rich, complex flavors of German chocolate cake in a convenient, bite-sized package. In the ever-evolving world of baked goods, innovation often lies in reimagining beloved classics. For dessert aficionados who adore the decadent layers and distinct flavor profile of German chocolate cake […]

In the sprawling urban landscape of Southern California, the donut is more than a breakfast pastry; it is a cultural institution. While New York defines itself through the chewy density of a bagel and Chicago stakes its claim on the snap of a deep-dish pizza or a loaded hot dog, Los Angeles and its surrounding […]

KYOTO – In the quiet kitchens of Kyoto’s prestigious fermented food schools, a subtle revolution is taking place. It is a movement that seeks to decouple sweetness from sugar, looking instead to the ancient biological processes of fermentation to transform the staple of Japanese desserts: the azuki bean. The result is Hakko Anko—fermented sweet red […]