Does Hi-Chew Have Pork Gelatin? The Truth Behind This Tasty Japanese Candy

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:

• On the Hi-Chew USA website’s FAQ page, it states that their products contain pork gelatin.

• The ingredients list for regular Hi-Chew on the Japan Candy Store blog also lists pork gelatin.

• But Hi-Chew Bites sold in the US don’t have pork in them because they use pectin instead of gelatin.

• Hi-Chew Ice, the frozen popsicle-like treats, also lack gelatin.

• The original Japanese Hi-Chew contains pork gelatin.

• Some regions like the USA have gelatin-free alternatives, such as Hi-Chew Bites.

• 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:

• It’s gluten-free, not containing any wheat, barley, rye or gluten ingredients.

• Most flavors are dairy-free, but some do contain milk products.

• Hi-Chew is not vegan due to the use of beeswax in some recipes.

• Tree nut allergies are not a concern, but some flavors contain soy.

• 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.