Are Hi-chews Vegan?
When it comes to choosing snacks that align with vegan values, it’s important to scrutinize the ingredients list of each product. Hi-Chew, a popular fruit-flavored chewy candy from Japan, often raises questions about its suitability for vegans. Understanding whether Hi-Chew candies fit into a vegan lifestyle requires a closer look at what they are made of and how they are produced.
What is Hi-Chew?
Hi-Chew is a brand of chewy candies that was first introduced in Japan in the 1970s. It has since become a global favorite, known for its intense fruit flavors and unique, chewy texture. The candy is produced by Morinaga & Co., a confectionery company based in Tokyo, Japan.
Ingredients in Hi-Chew
The primary ingredients in Hi-Chew candies include sugar, glucose syrup, vegetable oil, and gelatin. Flavors and colorings are also added to create the different varieties of the candy. It’s the inclusion of gelatin that raises a red flag for vegans.
Gelatin is a protein obtained by boiling skin, tendons, ligaments, and/or bones with water. It is usually derived from cows or pigs, making it a non-vegan ingredient. Since gelatin is a key component in Hi-Chew to achieve its signature chewy texture, this makes standard Hi-Chew candies unsuitable for a vegan diet.
Are There Any Vegan Alternatives?
Currently, Morinaga does not offer a specific vegan version of Hi-Chew. However, the demand for vegan-friendly products has been increasing globally, which could potentially influence the company to consider producing a gelatin-free version in the future.
In the meantime, vegans looking for similar chewy fruit candies might need to explore other brands that specifically state they are gelatin-free and use plant-based alternatives like pectin or starch.
Label Reading and Vegan Snacking
For those following a vegan diet, it’s crucial to become adept at reading labels to identify non-vegan ingredients. Besides gelatin, other ingredients to watch out for include carmine, which is a red dye made from crushed insects, and confectioner’s glaze, which often contains shellac, a substance derived from the secretions of the female lac bug.
When in doubt, opting for products that are certified vegan or contacting the manufacturer directly can provide assurance about the suitability of a candy or snack for vegans.
Other Considerations
It’s also worth considering other ethical dimensions of the products we consume, such as how they are sourced and produced. Some vegans might also look into the company’s labor practices and environmental impact, which can influence their purchasing decisions beyond the ingredients list.
While Hi-Chew candies are not vegan due to the presence of gelatin, there are many other delicious and ethical alternatives available on the market. By staying informed and vigilant about the ingredients in your snacks, you can enjoy a diet that aligns with your vegan values without missing out on tasty treats.