When we heard the news that we’d been nominated for this year’s Mondelēz International Dessert Awards, we were genuinely surprised. Unlike most of the contestants—many of whom created special flavors just for the competition—we entered with an existing flavor: Toshiko’s Cookies & Coconut Cream, made with real Oreo cookie bits.

On November 3rd, at the Awards Ceremony held in the Grand Ballroom of Humble House Taipei, our name was called, and our Master Glacier Jam Hsu went on stage to accept the prize. To be honest, we were completely and pleasantly surprised.

One thing that really set Bebop apart from the other nominees that day was that we were the only brand presenting a plant-based dessert. That means no milk, cream, or eggs—ingredients traditionally seen as essential for making delicious desserts.

Now, you might be wondering how we can use Oreo cookie bits if everything we make is plant-based. The answer is simple: Oreos are plant-based (in most parts of the world), though they don’t really advertise it. Like Bebop, they prove that it’s absolutely possible to create indulgent, satisfying desserts entirely from plants—as long as they taste amazing. Judging from the results, it seems the jury agreed that Toshiko’s Cookies & Coconut Cream does just that.

Matser Glacier Jam Hsu (Right)

When asked how he felt about the win, Jam said,

“I think everyone on our team feels really encouraged that the jury enjoyed our product. Before joining Bebop, I was a Chinese cuisine chef. Now, working in the ice cream world, I truly feel that anything is possible.”

Toshiko’s Cookies & Coconut Cream features a lush, creamy coconut milk base, balanced with a touch of sea salt and mixed with classic Oreo bits—our jazzy twist on the familiar “cookies and cream.”

Backstage at Toshiko’s (front centered) 95 Years Concert in Tokyo earlier this year.

This flavor is dedicated to the great jazz artist Toshiko Akiyoshi, whose career bridges East and West, big band and trio, and blends Western and Eastern musical traditions. Her bold, boundary-crossing spirit perfectly matches this flavor. We recommend enjoying it while listening to her piece “Long Yellow Road.”