Transforming Summer Favorites: New Recipes with Garigari-kun and Ninja Blast Max

As we move into the summer of 2026, a traditional favorite has taken on new life! The beloved ice treat Garigari-kun, produced by Akagi Dairy Products, collaborates with Shark Ninja, a leading brand in compact kitchen appliances, to create original recipes that are sure to delight. Using the popular "Ninja Blast Max" cordless mixer, four innovative recipes have been developed that will revolutionize how you enjoy this classic ice treat. Starting August 17, 2026, these recipes will be available on the official Ninja Kitchen website and featured in a giveaway campaign on Instagram.

Recognized as America's bestselling compact kitchen appliance brand, Ninja made its debut in Japan in February 2024. The "Ninja Blast" series, known for its power and convenience, has become extremely popular, surpassing cumulative shipments of 300,000 units. This collaboration allows Garigari-kun to evolve from just a frozen treat to an ingredient that can be creatively reimagined, enhancing the summer experience at home.

A Celebration of Garigari-kun's Legacy

Garigari-kun is set to celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2026, and this partnership aims to introduce the treat in exciting new forms. The goal is not only to remind younger generations of its deliciousness but also to encourage adults to enjoy the nostalgic flavors they grew up loving. Shark Ninja aims to make everyday cooking easier, and the "Ninja Blast Max" serves as a catalyst for summer fun, featuring the theme "Delicious Changes Made Easy".

The collaboration focuses on how the powerful mixing abilities of the Ninja Blast Max can elevate Garigari-kun from a simple snack to an enjoyable summer dessert experience that encourages creativity at home.

Exciting New Recipes

The Ninja Blast Max is designed to pulverize ice cubes without needing additional liquid, making it the perfect tool to elevate Garigari-kun in four unique recipes:

1. Garigari-kun Soda Ramune Smoothie
Easy yet refreshing, this smoothie mixes Garigari-kun Soda with water and lemon juice, blended using the "Crush Mode." Top it off with ice cream and Ramune for a delightful treat!

2. Garigari-kun Soda Energy Smoothie
Add a punch of energy by blending Garigari-kun Soda with water and lemon juice and layering it with your favorite energy drink.

3. Garigari-kun Grapefruit Smoothie
Mix Garigari-kun Grapefruit with a sports drink and a touch of salt, served in a glass with a salted rim for a sophisticated adult twist.

4. Adult Garigari-kun Fresh Grape and Tea Smoothie
Featuring the new "Adult Garigari-kun Fresh Grape" product, blend with unsweetened iced tea and top with aloe for a fruity, elegant drink.

The detailed recipes and instructional content will be available on the Ninja Kitchen website and their Instagram pages.

Exciting Giveaway Campaign

In line with the recipe launch, a giveaway campaign on Instagram starts on August 17, 2026. Participants are encouraged to follow both Ninja and Akagi's official Instagram pages and comment on the recipes they want to try.

Giveaway Period: August 17, 2026 – August 23, 2026, 23:59

How to Enter:

- Follow both Ninja (@ninjakitchenjp) and Akagi (@akagi_ice).
- Comment on the post about which Garigari-kun drink you want to try.

Prizes:
Winners will receive a set that includes the "Ninja Blast Max" and several Garigari-kun flavors, allowing them to explore the new recipes directly.

The Future of Ninja Blast Max

The Ninja Blast Max is priced at approximately ¥14,960 and is equipped with three Auto-iQ® programs for hassle-free blending. It offers significant power in a compact design, boasting a maximum capacity of 530ml and a quick charge time of just three hours. The mixer will be available in various colors including Navy, Cool Gray, and new exciting releases like Blue and Red, further emphasizing Ninja’s commitment to user-friendly design across diverse cooking scenarios.

Shark Ninja aims to adapt products to meet global consumer needs, proving their dedication to quality and innovation. They are excited to continue delivering exceptional kitchen experiences, and with the new recipes featuring Garigari-kun, summer 2026 is set to be the coolest yet!