If you are a vegan, you are likely always on the lookout for snacks and sweets that fit your dietary restrictions. Hi-Chew is a popular candy that has gained a lot of fans around the world due to its fruity flavors and chewy texture. But if you are vegan, you may be wondering if Hi-Chews are safe to consume. In this article, we will explore the ingredients and nutritional content of Hi-Chews to answer the question, “Are Hi-Chews vegan?”
Introduction
Hi-Chews are a popular candy that originated in Japan in the 1970s. They are known for their fruity flavors and chewy texture, which makes them a favorite among candy lovers. Hi-Chews have gained a global following and are now available in many countries worldwide. However, if you are a vegan, you may be hesitant to try them due to concerns about their ingredients. In this article, we will explore the vegan status of Hi-Chews and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether to consume them.
What are Hi-Chews?
Before we dive into the vegan status of Hi-Chews, let’s first take a closer look at what they are. Hi-Chews are a type of candy that are similar to taffy. They have a chewy texture and come in a variety of fruity flavors, such as strawberry, grape, and mango. Hi-Chews are made by Morinaga & Co., a Japanese confectionery company that has been in business since 1899. The candy was first introduced in Japan in 1975 and has since become a global phenomenon.
Ingredients of Hi-Chews
To determine whether Hi-Chews are vegan, we first need to take a closer look at their ingredients. Here is a breakdown of the main ingredients in Hi-Chews:
Main Ingredients
- Glucose syrup
- Sugar
- Hydrogenated palm kernel oil
- Gelatin
- Citric acid
- Artificial flavors
Additional Ingredients
- Emulsifiers
- Coloring agents
- Corn starch
- Glycerol
- Lecithin
- Fruit and vegetable juice for coloring
- Beeswax
Vegan Status of Hi-Chews
Now that we know the ingredients of Hi-Chews, let’s examine whether they are vegan.
Gelatin
One of the main ingredients in Hi-Chews is gelatin. Gelatin is a protein that is derived from animal collagen, which is found in the connective tissues and bones of animals. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in many types of candy, including Hi-Chews. Unfortunately, this means that Hi-Chews are not vegan-friendly, as they contain animal-derived ingredients.
Other Animal-Derived Ingredients
In addition to gelatin, Hi-Chews also contain other animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax. Beeswax is a wax that is secreted by bees and is commonly used in candy to give it a shiny appearance. It is also used as a glazing agent to prevent the candy from sticking together. Unfortunately, this means that Hi-Chews are not vegan-friendly, as they contain animal-derived ingredients.
Natural Flavors
Hi-Chews also contain natural flavors, which can be derived from both plant and animal sources. The term “natural flavors” can be vague, and manufacturers are not required to disclose the specific ingredients used in them. This means that we cannot be certain whether the natural flavors in Hi-Chews are vegan or not.
Artificial Colors
Hi-Chews also contain artificial colors, which are often derived from petroleum. While these ingredients are not animal-derived, they are not necessarily healthy. Some artificial colors have been linked to health issues, such as hyperactivity in children. If you are concerned about consuming artificial colors, you may want to avoid Hi-Chews.
Nutritional Content of Hi-Chews
In addition to examining the ingredients of Hi-Chews, it is also important to look at their nutritional content. Here is a breakdown of the key nutritional information for Hi-Chews:
Calories
One serving of Hi-Chews (5 pieces) contains 140 calories. This is relatively high compared to other types of candy.
Sugar Content
One serving of Hi-Chews contains 22 grams of sugar. This is also relatively high compared to other types of candy.
Fat and Cholesterol
One serving of Hi-Chews contains 2 grams of fat and no cholesterol.
Vitamins and Minerals
Hi-Chews do not contain any significant amounts of vitamins or minerals.
Alternatives to Hi-Chews for Vegans
If you are a vegan who is looking for a sweet treat, there are plenty of alternatives to Hi-Chews. Here are a few options to consider:
- Skittles: Skittles are a fruity candy that are vegan-friendly.
- Sour Patch Kids: Sour Patch Kids are a sour candy that are vegan-friendly.
- Twizzlers: Twizzlers are a chewy candy that are vegan-friendly.
What is gelatin, and why is it not vegan?
Gelatin is a protein that is derived from collagen, which is found in the connective tissues and bones of animals. It is commonly used as a gelling agent in many types of food and pharmaceuticals, including gummy candies, marshmallows, and capsules.
To produce gelatin, the collagen is extracted from animal parts such as bones, skin, and hooves, and is then processed into a powder or sheets that can be used in various products. This process typically involves boiling the animal parts in water, which causes the collagen to break down and form a gel-like substance.
While gelatin is widely used in the food industry, it is not considered vegan because it is derived from animal sources. Vegans and vegetarians avoid animal-derived products, as they believe it is wrong to use animals for human consumption.
Furthermore, the production of gelatin can also have ethical and environmental concerns. The demand for gelatin can drive the intensive farming of animals for their bones, skin, and hooves, which can result in animal cruelty and exploitation. In addition, the production of gelatin can have negative environmental impacts, as the processing of animal parts can generate significant amounts of waste and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hi-Chews are not vegan-friendly due to the inclusion of animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin and beeswax. While Hi-Chews are a tasty treat, there are plenty of alternatives available for vegans who are looking for something sweet. If you are concerned about consuming artificial colors or high amounts of sugar, you may want to avoid Hi-Chews.