![Best Meme Coins to Buy Now, Shiba Inu Burn Rate Jumps 3,904%, Milk & Mocha’s Presale Crosses $276K [Stage 11 Ending Soon]](/api/image-proxy?url=https%3A%2F%2F36crypto.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Frss-images%2Fimage1-convert.io-19-1.jpg)
The meme coin market is dynamic, with some projects actively working to counteract weak price action while others are gaining momentum through innovative approaches. Shiba Inu recently made headlines for burning a significant portion of its supply in an attempt to regain traction. Concurrently, Milk & Mocha's presale continues its steady growth, having entered Stage 11 and already raising over $276,000.
Both projects are capturing attention in the meme coin space for distinct reasons, illustrating the diverse strategies at play in 2026. For investors seeking the best meme coins to buy now, factors beyond past performance, such as early access opportunities, strong branding, and strategic entry points, are becoming increasingly important.
Shiba Inu's Efforts to Reignite Momentum
Shiba Inu has faced recent price pressure, declining across key levels. In response, the project's team and community have intensified its token burn rate. This week, the number of SHIB tokens removed from circulation saw an increase of over 3,900%. Millions of tokens were taken out of circulation within a short period, a strategy aimed at enhancing scarcity and potentially supporting the price over time.
The fundamental principle behind token burning is straightforward: a reduced supply should theoretically increase the value of the remaining tokens. However, the market's reaction has been muted thus far. SHIB's price remains near recent lows, leaving traders observing closely to determine if this burn initiative is a singular event or the beginning of a larger recovery effort.
Currently, Shiba Inu retains widespread recognition, but this alone has not been sufficient to boost its price. The project awaits a clear indication that buyers are ready to re-enter the market.
Milk & Mocha's Quietly Steady Presale Growth
While Shiba Inu attempts to rebound through supply reduction, Milk & Mocha is progressing through a different strategy. This project is focused on building from the ground up rather than reacting to price fluctuations.
Milk & Mocha is currently in Stage 11 of its 40-stage presale. The current token price is set at $0.0008092, and the presale has successfully raised over $276,000.
Unlike larger meme coins that experience significant price swings based on news, the $HUGS token is attracting interest through its clear structure and transparent pricing. Participants in the presale are fully aware of the current stage, the remaining time, and the upcoming price adjustments.
Crucially, a substantial portion of the pricing progression is still in the future. With 29 stages remaining, Milk & Mocha has considerable room for growth. Early investors entering at the current price are well below the project's anticipated listing price of $0.06. This favorable risk-versus-reward proposition is drawing the attention of traders looking for the best meme coins to buy now.
Divergent Paths in the Meme Coin Market
Shiba Inu and Milk & Mocha represent contrasting approaches within the current meme coin landscape.
Shiba Inu is an established token with significant trading volume, brand recognition, and a large community. However, its price is struggling to maintain key levels, and even substantial token burns have not yet shifted momentum. While it retains potential, the timing and nature of a rebound remain uncertain.
Milk & Mocha, conversely, is in its early stages. It does not yet possess years of trading history or listings on major exchanges. However, it benefits from a strong fanbase, well-defined token mechanics, and a growing base of early investors participating stage by stage. The absence of price volatility, due to its pre-exchange status, makes it particularly appealing to many traders.
Presales operate differently from live tokens; they reward early participation rather than short-term market speculation. This structured approach, as seen with Milk & Mocha, is increasingly attractive in times of market uncertainty.
Factors Driving Early Support for Milk & Mocha
The project's foundation is a key differentiator. The Milk & Mocha characters already command a global audience, particularly among Gen Z consumers.
Fans are familiar with the brand through its comics, videos, and merchandise. This established presence is a significant advantage in the meme coin sector, where narrative and recognition are as crucial for adoption as utility.
The $HUGS token is designed to be more than just a meme with a price. It is integrated with staking systems, exclusive merchandise drops, and digital rewards. The project's roadmap includes plans for NFTs, contests, and community games, all utilizing the token that early buyers are acquiring during the presale.
This layer of tangible value is why many investors consider it among the best meme coins to buy now, driven by brand familiarity and a methodical rollout rather than pure hype.
Implications of Stage 11 Nearing Completion
Presale stages are time-limited. Stage 11 is approaching its sell-out point, and upon its conclusion, the price will increase in Stage 12, following the pattern of previous stages. For observant investors, this presents an opportunity to secure tokens at a lower entry point before the price rises.
Investors seeking exposure to meme coins before their public exchange launch often favor these clearly structured offerings, where each stage provides a discernible advantage over subsequent rounds.
The Milk & Mocha team has maintained a consistent pace without rushing listings or employing aggressive launch tactics. This steady approach has been instrumental in building trust and enabling the project to raise over $276,000 without relying on influencer endorsements.
Conclusion
Shiba Inu is attempting to reignite momentum through token burns, while Milk & Mocha is attracting attention via its structured approach and established brand. Both projects have distinct strategies, but only one currently offers a clear upside potential before its public exchange debut.
With Stage 11 nearing its end and the majority of the pricing curve still ahead, $HUGS is positioned not just as a presale opportunity, but potentially as an answer to the question many investors are asking in January:
What are the best meme coins to buy now before the market moves again?