News just in about this brand new product from one of our favorite places to shop – Trader Joe’s. The edgy retailer recently announced the release of their Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Balls, inspired by a recent trip to Tokyo. Mochi is of course normally a chilled dessert product, so this cooked savory twist has us doubly intrigued. The brand writes:
Each Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Ball is about the size of a golf ball and develops a beautifully crisp, brown exterior when baked. After the initial crunch of that first bite, you’re immediately treated to the soft, chewy texture of the mochi’s interior, and then the delightfully sweet and spicy sensation of the Kung Pao sauce, followed quickly by the tender chicken and veggie medley inside.
The nine ounce boxes should be immediately available and are priced $3.99.Have you tried the new mochi balls? How did you like them?

Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC – Utah’s biggest and oldest online food magazine; I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV shows.
I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have covered the Utah dining scene for the better part of fifteen years. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. I started Shop Smart to catalogue my adventures in the grocery store and kitchen. Follow along on Instagram too!