Better known for varieties like Belgian chocolate, strawberry cheesecake and plain old vanilla, the American company’s Japanese arm will introduce “Tomato Cherry” and “Carrot Orange” lines in its new “Spoon Vege” range next month.
According to a statement made by the company, the tomato cherry flavour contains cherry juice and tomato paste. The carrot orange line has concentrated carrot juice, concentrated orange juice, orange pulp and orange peel. The company hasn't announced plans to market the new flavours in other markets.
The Tomato Cherry combines the natural sweetness of tomato with the fruity flavour of cherry, which should accentuate the rich taste of the tomato, the company said.
Its Carrot Orange takes the gentle flavour of carrot and adds to it the fresh citrus taste and scent of orange, giving the carrot a sophisticated and refreshing twist.
According to the Häagen-Dazs statement, these ice creams will only contain about 8.5% milk fat, which is just a little more than half of what Häagen-Dazs ice cream usually contains.
Like the rest of the world, vanilla has traditionally been the favourite line in Japan, although the country is well known for having seen a number of unconventional flavours, created mainly by small craft ice cream companies.
Basashi Ice, for example, manufacturers “raw horse meat” ice cream. Squid ink and soy sauce flavours are also available from other manufacturers, while shark fin flavour is not likely to go down well with environmentalist.
Cow tongue, nattou (fermented beans with a pungent flavour), sea urchin and grilled eggplant flavours are also available, many of them in grocer’s stores. Firenze brand, meanwhile, markets tubs of octopus with soy sauce ice cream.
Häagen-Dazs Japan is currently running a Facebook promotion for followers to win one of 100 eight-pack Spoon Vege sets until April 22.
Both ice cream flavours will be available in 100ml packs priced at JPY284 (US$2.77) and come on the market on May 12.