Which Japanese doughnut chain introduced the ring-shaped “Pon de Ring” in 2003?

Mister Donut introduced the ring-shaped Pon de Ring in 2003.

Pon de Ring is made from small, chewy dough balls joined into a ring. Its texture differs from the typical cake or yeast-raised doughnut, and its distinctive appearance quickly became one of Mister Donut’s signature products. The name references pão de queijo, a Brazilian cheese bread, although Pon de Ring is a sweet doughnut product rather than cheese bread.

Mister Donut is a major Japanese doughnut chain that began in the United States in 1955 and later became especially associated with Japan. The chain’s Japanese menu includes many products not commonly found in American doughnut shops, including seasonal and regional flavors.

Pon de Ring is sometimes confused with mochi doughnuts because both can have a chewy texture. They are related in appearance and texture, but “Pon de Ring” is the specific Mister Donut product name. The product launched in 2003.