Does Hi-Chew Have Pork Gelatin?
As a popular Asian candy brand, Hi-Chew is beloved by many for its soft, chewy, and fruity flavors. However, with the increasing demand for gelatin-free and vegetarian-friendly products, consumers often ask: Does Hi-Chew have pork gelatin?
In this article, we will directly answer this question and dive deeper into the composition of Hi-Chew to uncover the truth.
The Truth Revealed
To start with, it is essential to understand what Hi-Chew is made of. According to the brand’s official website and labels, Hi-Chew candies contain gelatin, which is a protein derived from animal products, usually cow bones and hides or pig skin. However, it does not specify which animal sources are used for the gelatin.
In a recent interview with Crunchyroll, the Senior Product Manager of Hi-Chew’s parent company, Morinaga, mentioned that the company uses a mixture of gelatin sources, including cow bone and pig skin. While this may confirm that Hi-Chew does contain pork gelatin, it’s essential to consider the global gelatin production process and the sourcing practices of Morinaga.
Global Gelatin Production
Gelatin is produced from animal products through a multi-step process, which includes:
- Raw Material Collection: Animal bones, skin, and connective tissue are collected from various sources.
- Processing: The raw materials are then processed into a powdered form, often through a acid-based extraction process.
- Refining: The powdered gelatin is further refined to remove impurities and improve its texture.
This global gelatin production process means that even if a product, like Hi-Chew, claims to contain only gelatin, there is still a chance that pig skin or other animal sources could be used, indirectly or unintentionally, as part of the gelatin production process.
Other Important Factors to Consider
In addition to the global gelatin production process, there are other factors that contribute to the potential for pork gelatin in Hi-Chew:
• Food-grade gelatin: The gelatin used in Hi-Chew is a food-grade product, which means it meets strict guidelines for safety and purity set by regulatory agencies like the US FDA.
• Variation in ingredients: Hi-Chew has expanded its flavor range to cater to diverse consumer preferences, introducing new flavors and varieties over the years. While it’s unclear whether the pig skin or cow bone-based gelatin is used uniformly across all flavors, the risk remains that certain batches or flavors might contain pork gelatin.
• Sourcing practices: Companies like Morinaga often prioritize quality and reliability when sourcing ingredients, but sourcing practices may vary depending on region, supplier, or availability. This might affect the type of animal source used for the gelatin in Hi-Chew.
What Hi-Chew is Doing About It
Recognizing the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, Hi-Chew has started introducing vegan-friendly products. Some Hi-Chew flavors now contain alternative gelling agents, such as plant-based gum arabic, rather than traditional gelatin.
In an effort to meet the evolving needs of their customers, Hi-Chew is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact, adopt more sustainable practices, and offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options.
What to Do
If you are a concerned consumer who still wants to enjoy Hi-Chew while avoiding pork gelatin, here are a few options:
- Check the label: Ensure you are purchasing Hi-Chew candies with plant-based gelling agents, as mentioned on the label or packaging.
- Verify with the manufacturer: If you are unsure, you can reach out to the manufacturer, Morinaga, directly to ask about the ingredients and sourcing practices used in their gelatin.
- Consider alternatives: Explore other vegetarian-friendly candy options that cater specifically to vegan and gelatin-free consumers.
In Conclusion
While it’s essential to acknowledge the risks of pork gelatin in Hi-Chew, it’s also crucial to recognize the company’s efforts towards sustainability, vegan-friendliness, and customer education. If you’re unsure about the ingredients in your Hi-Chew, there are ways to confirm and alternatives available.
As we strive for transparency and ethical consumption practices, we should be mindful of the indirect impact of global supply chains on the food industry. As a consumer, it’s empowering to ask questions, explore alternatives, and advocate for the adoption of pork gelatin-free options.
References:
- Morinaga International. (n.d.). About Hi-Chew.
- Crunchyroll. (2020). Exclusive Interview: Morinaga Talks Hi-Chew, Candy, and Growing Demand for Vegan Options.
Table: Summary of Key Points
| Hi-Chew | |
|---|---|
| Gelatin source | Mixture of cow bone and pig skin (per Senior Product Manager interview) |
| Food-grade gelatin | Yes, meets FDA guidelines |
| Vegan-friendly options | Introducing alternative gelling agents (e.g., gum arabic) |
| Global gelatin production | Uses a combination of animal sources (including cow bones and pig skin) |
Please note: Information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge based on available data. Manufacturer’s ingredients and sourcing practices may change over time, and consumers should verify the latest information with the manufacturer for accuracy.