Baskin-Robbin's Japan has plenty of winning flavors, but the star of this ice-cream-chain's offerings on this side of the world is Popping Shower. It's a combination of mint and chocolate tastes, itself a pleasant pairing that also lends every scoop a colorful Yoshi-egg hue. Yet the key touch — what figuratively and literally makes it pop — are the candies on top which offer a fun crackle in every bite.

Replicating what makes it good outside the context of ice cream is tough, but 31 and sweets maker Fujiya keep on trying to make it work via collabs found in konbini countrywide. The latest attempt is in the form of a macaron. They've tried other flavors in this mold, but "chocolate" and "strawberry" have nothing on the promise of "Popping Shower" being turned into a three-bite dessert.

Surprisingly, the taste is mostly on point, albeit via a more unexpected texture than what you get from ice cream. The mint element dominates, but it isn't overwhelming, rather offering a pleasant amount that is enhanced by a more subtle chocolate touch. And really, we're here for the poppin' which isn't quite as mouth-rattling as what you would fin via the dairy version, but still comes through to add some fun to this treat.