Meiji discontinues matcha-flavored Essel Super Cup ice cream

Meiji has discontinued its popular matcha-flavored Essel Super Cup 200ml ice cream, ending a 24-year run for the flavor that first debuted in 2002. The decision follows a rise in global demand for matcha ingredients, which has led to potential supply shortages.

While Meiji’s official product page lists the production end date as February 2026, some reports suggest manufacturing may have ceased as early as August. Availability now depends on remaining retail and online inventory, and the product may soon disappear from convenience stores and supermarkets.

A mini-sized Super Cup combo pack containing matcha and chocolate cookie flavors is also subject to limited stock. Meiji has noted that while there are no current plans for a specific relaunch, the possibility of reintroducing the flavor in the future is not ruled out.