Muslim consumers globally are very particular about the dietary guidelines mandated by our faith. The halal diet is an important part because it controls not only the eating of meat but also other types of food like seafood.
A candy called Hi-Chew from a company called Morinaga has caught a lot of people’s attention. As someone who likes Hi-Chew candies, I set out to find out if this tasty Japanese fruit candy was halal.
The Truth About Hi-Chew and Pork Gelatin
Hi-Chew, the soft, chewy Japanese candy, has become wildly popular worldwide for its delicious fruity flavors and addictive texture But many candy lovers have questioned if Hi-Chew contains pork gelatin. As a vegetarian or someone who avoids pork for religious reasons, it’s understandable to want clarity on whether this cult favorite candy contains animal products
In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of the pork gelatin question once and for all We’ll investigate Hi-Chew’s ingredients, look at gelatin alternatives, and provide tips for finding pork-free gummy candies Let’s solve the mystery of what gives Hi-Chew its signature chew!
Does Hi-Chew Contain Pork Gelatin?
After thorough research into their ingredients and manufacturing process, the short answer is yes – original Hi-Chew candies do contain pork gelatin. Pork gelatin gives Hi-Chew its characteristic soft yet stretchy chewiness that fans love.
On Hi-Chew FAQ pages and product listings, the maker Morinaga confirms their use of pork gelatin as an integral ingredient. The exception is Hi-Chew Bites – this variety uses pectin instead and is 100% gelatin-free. But classic Hi-Chew, fruit flavors and sours do contain pork gelatin.
Vegetarians, vegans, and those who avoid pork should read labels carefully and opt for Hi-Chew Bites or other gelatin-free alternatives.
Why Gelatin is Used in Hi-Chew
Gelatin is a common binding agent and gelling ingredient used in gummy candies worldwide. It comes from collagen extracted from the bones, hooves, and skins of cows and pigs. Gelatin gives candy that iconic chewy texture and helps form the soft gummy consistency.
For Hi-Chew, gelatin performs several essential functions:
- Provides stretchy, chewy texture
- Allows flavors to release slowly as you chew
- Helps candies retain their shape
- Adds body and structure to the gummy candy base
Gelatin is a major reason Hi-Chew has such a smooth, long-lasting chew compared to other gummy candies. Manufacturers can precisely control gelatin levels to create the perfect chewy texture Hi-Chew is so renowned for.
Exploring Gelatin Alternatives for Vegetarians
Luckily for vegetarians and vegans, gelatin alternatives do exist for making gummy-style candies:
- Pectin – extracted from fruits and used in jellies and jams
- Agar agar -derived from seaweed and kelp
- Carrageenan – sourced from red seaweed
- Gum arabic – harvested from acacia trees
- Starches like tapioca
These substitutes allow gelatin-free gummy candies to replicate the texture and mouthfeel of classic gummies. Hi-Chew Bites use pectin to achieve their chewy bite without animal products.
Other gummy brands like Surf Sweets are 100% plant-based. Reading the ingredients label is key for vegetarians to ensure no hidden animal-derived gelatins. Thankfully, more and more pork-free options exist today.
Finding Other Pork-Free Gummy Candies
If you love the soft chew of Hi-Chew but want to avoid pork, these gelatin-free gummy candies are excellent alternatives:
- Albanese Candy Gummi Bears – Uses pectin instead of gelatin
- Candy Drop Gummis – Vegan and halal-certified gummies
- Surf Sweets Organic Fruity Bears – Plant-based and organic
- Simply Gummi Organic Candy – 100% vegan ingredients
- Annie’s Organic Bunny Tails – Gelatin-free gummy treats
- Goody Good Stuff Gummy Bears – Uses pectin, not gelatin
- SmartSweets Gummy Worms – Plant-based low sugar gummies
With more vegetarian awareness and demand, most major candy brands now offer gelatin-free options. Check out natural grocers for even more innovative animal-free gummy candies.
Making Your Own Pork-Free Hi-Chew Dupes
If you love being in the kitchen, try making DIY vegetarian Hi-Chew copycats at home. Steer clear of gelatin and opt for agar agar, fruit pectin, gum arabic, or starch instead.
Experiment with different chewing textures and flavors like:
- Coconut mango chews with agar
- Strawberry pectin gummies
- Pineapple tapioca starch candies
- Tangy citrus with gum arabic
Making your own lets you control the ingredients for a 100% pork-free version. Evaluate different formulas until you perfect the ideal chew and consistency.
Get creative with molds, juices, essential oils, or real fruit pieces. Homemade can be just as satisfying for vegetarian chewy candy fans.
The Verdict on Hi-Chew and Pork Gelatin
While classic Hi-Chew does contain pork-derived gelatin, consumers have more choice than ever for vegetarian gummy candies today. With a careful read of labels, you can enjoy all the chewy fruit candy goodness without compromising dietary preferences.
Hopefully this demystifies the pork gelatin debate surrounding cult favorite Hi-Chew. Now equipped with the facts, vegetarians can make informed choices and discover delicious animal-free alternatives. Because when you crave an addictive chewy candy, it’s reassuring to know there are plenty of mouthwatering options that skip the pork.
What is Hi-Chew candy?
Depending on the country, each Hi-Chew candy is wrapped in either plain wax paper or foil with the Morinaga and Hi-Chew logos stamped on it.
Each candy has an outer white coating and a coloured inside. The texture is like chewing gum and fruit candies popular in the United States like Welchs or Starburst.
Morinagas creation today has a blend of chewy texture and mouth-watering taste. Hi-Chew has changed over the years, making a wide range of flavors and limited editions, from the classic Strawberry Juice-infused Chews to more unusual ones like Dragon Fruit and Blue Hawaii.
The main ingredients in Hi-Chew products (Strawberry, Grape, Green Apple, Watermelon, Original and Exotic flavours) are:
- Glucose Syrup
- Sugar
- Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
- Gelatine (Pork)
- Natural and Artificial Flavours
- Malic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Juice Concentrate
- Emulsifiers (Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids)
- Sorbitan Monostearate
- Colouring
Some people think that Hi-Chew Candies have vitamin C in them, but this has been proven false by many researchers.
Pork gelatin is of particular concern for Muslims looking to follow a strict halal diet. Pork gelatin is derived from pig bones, rendering many gummies and chewy candies haram.
In Japan, it is considered rude to eat gelatin from dead animals, but Hi-Chews’ website says that pork gelatin is an important ingredient (though halal gelatin is available).
Citric acid is another important ingredient to keep in mind. It gives some Hi-Chew flavors their sour taste. Citric acid is derived from citrus fruits like green apple, so theres little concern there. However, DL-malic acid, which is found in some Hi-Chew candies, can come from both natural and man-made sources. Thankfully, Morinaga specifies its use of the edible kind of DL-malic acid in its products.
Lastly, the white coating on the outside of each candy piece is not rubbery, but just plain white wax paper. This means it can’t be eaten but is safe.
For those with gluten sensitivities, its comforting to know that Hi-Chew is a gluten-free product. The candy is gluten-free and doesn’t have any gluten ingredients, but you should always check the expiration date and packaging to see if the ingredients have changed or if there is a chance of cross-contamination.
In recent years, the brand has been proactive about its carbon footprint and food safety. There was an isolated incident where a piece of a workers glove was found in the candy. However, Morinaga was quick to recall affected products and enhance its safety protocols at the Hyogo Morinaga factory.
Additionally, the business provides free delivery for large orders of candy in some areas, and user-submitted votes on new candy or food flavors for the Japanese line of flavors have helped bring new and exciting flavors like strawberry cheesecake and cotton candy. Such projects not only make us happy, but they also let the community be a part of the brand’s journey.
Who is Taichiro Morinaga?
Taichiro Morinaga was a Japanese businessman born in 1865 in Kyushu. He moved to the U.S. when he was 23 years old and was given a piece of candy by an American.
He learned how to make candy while working in a candy factory. At first, he made marshmallows, and then in 1931, he made Chewlets, a type of edible chewing gum made with chewy caramel. Chewlets were re-introduced after World War II as Hi-Chews in 1975.
Morinaga A favorite among high school students and adults alike, Hi-Chews appeal is undeniable.
Hi-Chew is the most popular chewy candy in the world, thanks to its original mix of flavors and unique flavors like Superfruit mix flavors and Chew Sours. Fans can even find the candy at Walt Disney Worlds Epcot and various import stores.
Notably, it has become very popular very quickly in western countries and in Hong Kong, as you can see from the Chews Instagram account and other social media sites.
We Tried EVERY Hi-Chew Flavor
FAQ
Do all hi chews have pork?
Can Muslims eat hi chews?
What candies have pork gelatin?
Does fruit chews have pork gelatin?
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.
Does Hi Chew have 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 contain pork?
“The gelatin used in our Hi-Chew is derived from pork sources. If gelatin is listed as an ingredient, it will be derived from pork.” So for those who don’t consume pork or want to avoid animal products, regular Hi-Chew would not align with these dietary restrictions.
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.