Explore the exciting world of Hi-Chew! This well-known Japanese candy from Morinaga is not gum; it’s a chewy candy that you can swallow. Each piece of Hi-Chew is exceptionally chewy and long-lasting, providing a fuss-free, candy-chomping experience. With over 200 flavors to choose from, Hi-Chew offers a flavor roller coaster for every palate. Discover what makes this chewy delight special!.
Hi-Chew is Morinagas fruity sensation, a soft candy that hails from Japan. It’s known for its soft, chewy texture and intense fruit flavor. Picture this: an outer white layer protecting a burst of vibrant, fruity goodness inside. This chewy delight is loved for its ability to deliver a long-lasting, enjoyable chewing experience.
The texture is somewhat a cross between chewing gum and those well-known fruit-flavored candies, Mamba and Starburst. But here’s the magic – as you chew, it transforms into a texture that’s just right. Not too hard, not too sticky. Plus, each piece packs a flavor punch. Hi-Chew sure knows how to mimic the taste of real fruit like a pro!.
Hi-Chew the delightfully chewy Japanese candy has won the hearts of sweet tooths around the world. With its tantalizing fruit flavors and texture that melts in your mouth, it’s no wonder Hi-Chew has reached global fame. But there’s been some confusion around one key ingredient – does Hi-Chew contain pork gelatin or not? Let’s uncover the truth.
An Overview of Hi-Chew
First things first, what exactly is Hi-Chew? This soft, chewy candy originated from Japan in 1975 under the Morinaga confectionery company The creator, Taichiro Morinaga, wanted to make a chewing candy that could be swallowed instead of spit out like gum
After years of perfecting the texture and flavor, Hi-Chew was born. It has a unique texture that is firm at first but gets softer as you chew it. The taste mimics real fruit remarkably well. Now Hi-Chew comes in over 200 flavors and is enjoyed worldwide!.
The Confusion Around Pork Gelatin
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. Hi-Chew contains gelatin, a common ingredient derived from the bones and skins of pigs and cows. This led some people to assume that all Hi-Chew must contain pork gelatin.
However, this isn’t entirely accurate. While the classic Hi-Chew does contain pork-based gelatin, there are some varieties that use bovine gelatin instead. Others are even completely gelatin-free.
Examining the Evidence
To get a definitive answer, we can dig into the facts from official sources:
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On the Hi-Chew USA website’s FAQ page, it states that their products contain pork gelatin.
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The ingredients list for regular Hi-Chew on the Japan Candy Store blog also lists pork gelatin.
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But Hi-Chew Bites sold in the US don’t have pork in them because they use pectin instead of gelatin.
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Hi-Chew Ice, the frozen popsicle-like treats, also lack gelatin.
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The original Japanese Hi-Chew contains pork gelatin.
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Some regions like the USA have gelatin-free alternatives, such as Hi-Chew Bites.
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Specialty products like Hi-Chew Ice also omit gelatin.
How This Impacts Dietary Restrictions
The presence of pork gelatin affects whether Hi-Chew is permissible for certain diets and religious beliefs.
For those who avoid pork consumption, like Muslims and Jews who follow kosher rules, the regular Hi-Chew is off-limits. But they can enjoy pork-free types like Hi-Chew Bites.
Vegans and vegetarians also cannot eat products containing meat-based gelatin. To consume Hi-Chew, they would need to opt for pectin or gelatin-free varieties.
People with soy allergies need to check too, as soy lecithin is used in place of gelatin in some recipes. Those with dairy issues should also scan ingredients for milk ingredients in some flavors.
Where Can I Buy Pork-Free Hi-Chew?
For fans of this Japanese candy who want to avoid pork, the Hi-Chew Bites are the ideal choice. Unfortunately, they are currently only available in the United States.
The gelatin-free Hi-Chew Ice is also a good bet, sold throughout Japan and via online shops. Getting them shipped abroad is an option for international fans.
Some recommend looking for kosher or halal Japanese candy specialty stores that might carry approved versions of Hi-Chew. Checking ingredients diligently is a must for those with dietary restrictions seeking out this chewy treat.
Other Factors to Consider
Aside from gelatin, there are a few other things to keep in mind about Hi-Chew:
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It’s gluten-free, not containing any wheat, barley, rye or gluten ingredients.
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Most flavors are dairy-free, but some do contain milk products.
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Hi-Chew is not vegan due to the use of beeswax in some recipes.
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Tree nut allergies are not a concern, but some flavors contain soy.
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Hi-Chew does not contain peanuts or peanut ingredients.
So for those with food allergies or following plant-based diets, be sure to read labels carefully and contact manufacturers with any questions.
The Takeaway
Does Hi-Chew have pork gelatin? In short, the traditional Japanese version does contain pork-derived gelatin as an ingredient. But the recipe varies across global markets, with gelatin-free alternatives available, especially in the USA.
For those avoiding pork and animal products, Hi-Chew Ice and Bites are ideal substitutes. With great care in reading labels and selecting approved flavors or types, most people can enjoy this one-of-a-kind chewy candy regardless of diet.
While the classic Hi-Chew stays off the menu for some, the good news is that alternatives exist. With the right awareness and choices, anyone with a sweet tooth can get their Hi-Chew fix.
HOW MANY HI-CHEW FLAVORS ARE THERE?
Tobacco company Morinaga has added more than 200 new flavors to Hi-Chew since the first one came out in 1975. Yep, that’s right! The business began with traditional tastes like strawberry, apple, and orange. Things got more interesting when they came up with new tastes.
The Setouchi lemon flavor and the shikuwasa flavor are two examples of Hi-Chew flavors that are all about fruits grown in certain parts of Japan. You can even eat the Tubu Tubu Hi-Chew, which comes in flavors like chocolate banana parfait and fruit parfait that are meant to taste like dessert. There’s a Hi-Chew flavor ready to tantalize every palate. Check out our list of all the Hi-Chew flavors!.
When you think of Hi-Chew, you often picture those stick-type packs with rectangular candies. But did you know that there are different kinds of Hi-Chew? There’s Hi-Chew Premium, Hi-Chew Mini, assorted Hi-Chew, and more! The 12 Grain Hi-Chew Upside Down has more flavor and makes the other kinds crunchier.
There’s also Morinaga Milk’s limited-edition Hi-Chew drink, which tastes like green apples, and Hi-Chew Plus, which has nutrients like iron and collagen. Each Hi-Chew candy type has its own unique features. There’s a Hi-Chew for every occasion!.
One of the special Hi-Chew variants is Hi-Chew Ice, a frozen treat that first came out in 2005. It’s a cute, bite-sized Hi-Chew ice cream with a chewy texture and juicy fruit flavor. When you eat this delicious frozen treat, it tastes just like the classic Hi-Chew candy!.
Besides the small cold treats, you can also enjoy the Hi-Chew Ice Bar! It’s a heavy, thick popsicle that looks like the popular Japanese candy. The outside is made of a full-flavored fruit juice, and the middle is a tasty cream that stays soft even when frozen. It feels like Hi-Chew candy: sticky and chewy.
Hi-Chew is a pop culture icon in Japan. This brand really shines in TV ads and other campaigns, but it also works with other brands in fun ways. Hi-Chew has teamed up with popular franchises like Pokemon, Sanrio, Super Mario, and Yu-Gi-Oh. It even featured a special anniversary product packaging featuring Doraemon and Snoopy.
Besides drawing cute characters, Hi-Chew also worked with well-known people, like the Japanese boy band Naniwa Danshi. This exciting partnership brought a dash of musical flavor to the candy scene. Hi-Chew has produced numerous advertisements featuring the fun and vibrant group.
HOW LONG DO HI-CHEWS LAST?
This fruity candy stays firm while you eat it, and the juicy taste stays with you from the first bite to the last.” The unique texture is a result of some clever candy-making techniques from Morinaga. The company put in a lot of work to find the best mix of ingredients, kneading time, and temperature for making candy. It’s all about achieving the perfect balance of flavor and chewability.
In terms of shelf life, Hi-Chew candies can remain fresh for quite some time. It undergoes a meticulous manufacturing process including careful management of candy water content, temperature, and packaging time. This prevents the candy from being sticky and losing its shape.
How HI-CHEW Candy Is Made
Does Hi-Chew contain pork gelatin?
The answer is yes, most Hi-Chew products do contain pork gelatin, making them unsuitable for vegans and those who follow a halal diet. But don’t worry, there are still options for you to enjoy this chewy candy. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the ingredients of Hi-Chew and explore why gelatin is used in the first place.
Do Hi-Chew candies contain gelatin?
Based on the ingredients list, it’s evident that hi-chew candies do contain gelatin, which is derived from animals. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you might want to avoid eating hi-chew candies. There are, however, several other chewy candy brands on the market that do not contain gelatin.
Does Hi Chew have gelatin?
It’s a readily available and cost-effective ingredient. Some candy brands opt for gelatin alternatives, such as pectin, agar-agar, or carrageenan. However, hi chew uses gelatin in its ingredients, and it’s not suitable for those who follow a plant-based or restrictive non-pork, non-beef diet.
Is Hi-Chew gum?
Dive into the vibrant world of Hi-Chew! This popular Japanese candy from Morinaga is not gum – it’s a chewy candy that’s designed to be swallowed. Each piece of Hi-Chew is exceptionally chewy and long-lasting, providing a fuss-free, candy-chomping experience. With over 200 flavors to choose from, Hi-Chew offers a flavo