Are Hi Chews Vegan? | Are Hi Chews Gluten-Free?
Hi-Chew candies are a popular treat known for their chewy texture and fruity flavors. But with an increasing number of people following special diets, it’s important to know what’s in our food. Are Hi-Chew candies suitable for those following a vegan or gluten-free diet? That’s the question we’ll be answering in this article.
We’ll be taking a close look at the ingredients used in Hi-Chew candies and their production process to determine if they meet the criteria for being vegan or gluten-free. Whether you are a fan of Hi-Chew candies or just curious about what’s in your food, this article will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision
Hi-chews: Brand Overview
The 1930s saw Taichiro Morinaga, the project’s instigator, try to create a brand-new sweet and chewy delicacy that was obviously influenced by bubble gums.
Chewlet was consequently founded in 1931. Caramel was the original and initial flavor. It was different from other sweets in many ways, but its texture was what made it stand out. This special delicacy became popular right away, and more varieties were soon added.
Around 1975, Chewlets were reintroduced in Japan under the brand name Hi-Chew, after decades of diligently refining the recipe. The number of flavors manufactured for Hi-Chew has increased to 165, making it the most popular chewy candy in Japan at the moment.
Hi chew Ingredients
Hi-Chews are a popular brand of fruit chews that come in a variety of flavors. The ingredients list for Hi-Chews typically includes:
- Sugars (Glucose Syrup)
- Concentrated Grape Juice
- Concentrated Apple Juice
- Concentrated Strawberry Juice
- Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
- Gelatin
- Malic Acid
- Citric Acid
- Natural And Artificial Flavours
- Sucrose Esters Of Fatty Acids
- Sorbitan Tristearate
- Beta-Carotene
Questionable Ingredients In Hi Chews
1. Sugar
We are discussing white cane sugar that has been refined. Contrary to popular belief, this component is unfortunately not totally vegan. You probably already know that white cane sugar includes animal products if you’re a vegan.
This sugar is produced using animal bones, which, if consumed excessively, can cause a horrible sugar crash. The good news is that a sugar replacement manufactured from sugar beets is an option.
Simply do your homework and pick products that don’t use substances obtained from animals. Chews are produced using a method similar to that used to make beet sugar, however, due to a processing step, it no longer qualifies as vegan.
Bone char, a byproduct of the sugar cane refining process, is produced in this process by heating animal bones. As a result, those following a level-5 vegan diet avoid any candies and snacks like Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Jolly Ranchers, Mike and Ikes, Salt Water Taffy, Lays, Sun chips, etc that include grams of sugar.
2. Glucose Syrup
Hi-Primary Chews are made up of glucose syrups. These syrups, which are suitable for vegans, can be made from either potatoes or maize. They are not at all healthy, though.
The fact that it is practically pure glucose allows it to reach your circulation immediately. Your blood sugar levels throughout the day might be impacted, resulting in serious sugar crashes.
3. Palm Oil
Palm kernel oil, sometimes referred to as palm oil, is a controversial cooking oil among vegans. Despite the fact that coconut oil is made by tapping into the sap of the coconut plant, the industry’s financial backers have a disastrous influence on tropical rainforests and are responsible for the extinction and endangerment of several animal and plant species.
4. Stearic Acid
Vegans should be aware of this additional factor because stearic acid can be produced from animal fats. On the other hand, plant lipids may also be used to manufacture them.
5. Artificial Flavors
Hi- Japanese candies called chews have been available for a long time. Due to its chewy texture and distinctive flavor, they continue to be one of the most well-liked sweets in Japan.
They include sugar, gelatin, and artificial and natural flavors. Hi- Chews are prepared at a dairy establishment. Although artificial and natural tastes can both be harmful, you should still be mindful of the substances they contain.
It’s important to read labels and inquire. Some producers are not compelled by law to reveal the substances they use. Particularly if you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, you should also get the ingredients list.
Are Hi Chews Gluten Free?
Hi-Chews do not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, , but they are not labeled as gluten-free. They may be processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing products, so there is a risk of cross-contamination. If you have a gluten intolerance, it is best to check the ingredients list or contact the manufacturer to confirm if they meet your dietary needs.
Do Hi Chews Contain Dairy?
According to the website for Hi-Chew, their candies “may contain soybean, milk, or yogurt depending on the taste and the product. Please carefully study ingredients and allergies before ingesting since there are variations between each of our products. Check the ingredient lists of each flavor and piece of candy before consuming if you adhere to a dairy-free diet.
Does Hi Chew Have Pork Gelatin?
Yes, some flavors of Hi-Chew candy contain pork gelatin as an ingredient. It is important to check the ingredients list on the packaging or on the company’s website to determine if a specific flavor contains pork gelatin or not. The usage of pig gelatin is apparent at first look.
This raises an immediate red signal for any vegan, making items inappropriate. It is a protein thickener that gives a variety of sweets their chewy feel and is created by boiling pig bones, ligaments, skin, and tendons. All of this obviously renders any product containing it non-vegan.
Conclusion
You don’t have to stop consuming sweets if you decide to go on a vegan diet. Just keep an eye out for vegan options. Hi-Chews, regrettably, shouldn’t be on your list. Fortunately, finding delectable vegan alternatives for these chewy sweets is not that difficult; there are many excellent choices such as Sour Punch Straws, Life Saver, Airheads, Dum Dums, Sour Patch Kids, and many more. Additionally, vegans can check food labels or visit websites such as Peta.org to find vegan-friendly candy options.
