Is Hi Chew Halal or Haram?

Muslim consumers around the world adhere strictly to the dietary guidelines laid out by Islam, ensuring that all food consumed meets the halal criteria.

From meat to snacks and desserts, every ingredient is scrutinized carefully to ensure it aligns with Islamic principles. One treat that has sparked curiosity and conversation is Hi-Chew, a popular Japanese candy by the Morinaga company. But is this deliciously chewy candy halal?

Understanding the halal status of various foods is essential, not just for those adhering to a halal diet, but also for companies catering to a growing global market of Muslim consumers.

In this article, we will explore the ingredients of Hi-Chew candy, examine whether it is permissible for Muslims to consume, and suggest alternative halal-friendly options.

What is Hi-Chew Candy?

Hi-Chew is a Japanese candy that has become immensely popular worldwide due to its unique combination of chewy texture and fruity flavors.

Individually wrapped in foil or wax paper, each candy has a white outer layer with a colored, flavored inside. Fans often compare it to chewy fruit candies like Starburst or Welch’s Fruit Snacks, though Hi-Chew offers a much softer and longer-lasting chew.

Since its introduction by Morinaga in 1975, Hi-Chew has evolved into a global candy brand, with many exciting flavors such as strawberry, green apple, grape, and exotic varieties like dragon fruit and blue Hawaii. But for Muslim consumers, the question remains—are Hi-Chew’s ingredients compatible with halal dietary laws?

Is Hi Chew Halal?

No, Hi-Chew is not halal. The presence of pork gelatin makes it impermissible for Muslims who follow a halal diet. While the candy is delicious and popular among many, those seeking halal-friendly sweets should look for alternatives that do not contain haram ingredients.

READ ALSO: Are Sour Patch Kids Halal? Here’s What We Found Out

Hi-Chew’s Ingredients: What’s Inside?

Hi-Chew candies contain a blend of ingredients designed to create a chewy, flavorful treat. The standard flavors (Strawberry, Grape, Green Apple, Watermelon, and others) contain the following key ingredients:

• Glucose Syrup
• Sugar
• Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil
• Gelatin (Pork)
• Natural and Artificial Flavours
• Malic Acid
• Citric Acid
• Juice Concentrate
• Emulsifiers (Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids)
• Sorbitan Monostearate
• Colouring

The inclusion of pork gelatin is a primary concern for Muslim consumers following a strict halal diet. Pork gelatin, derived from the bones and skin of pigs, is commonly used in many gummy and chewy candies to create that elastic texture.

However, according to Islamic dietary laws, pork and its derivatives are strictly forbidden (haram), making any product containing it impermissible for Muslims.

Morinaga’s official website clearly lists pork gelatin as a key ingredient in Hi-Chew candies, despite the availability of halal-certified gelatin in the market.

This means that while Hi-Chew may be a beloved treat for many, it is not permissible for those following a halal diet.

The Issue with Gelatin in Hi-Chew

Pork gelatin is used in many candies, marshmallows, and desserts for its ability to give products a soft, chewy texture. In the case of Hi-Chew, this gelatin gives the candy its signature chewiness.

However, the use of pork-derived gelatin poses a significant problem for Muslim consumers because pork is explicitly prohibited in Islam.

There are halal-certified alternatives to pork gelatin, such as gelatin derived from halal-slaughtered animals or plant-based substitutes like agar-agar or pectin.

Despite the growing market for halal-friendly products, Morinaga has chosen to stick with pork gelatin, which renders Hi-Chew candies haram (forbidden) for Muslims.

Gluten-Free but Not Halal

One aspect of Hi-Chew that may appeal to consumers with specific dietary needs is that it is gluten-free. This means that those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can enjoy Hi-Chew without worrying about gluten contamination. However, for Muslim consumers, this is of little consolation given that the candy contains pork gelatin.

It’s also important to always check the packaging for any changes in the ingredients list. Sometimes, manufacturers may alter their formulas, and cross-contamination in factories can occur.

Additionally, although Hi-Chew does not contain gluten ingredients, always be cautious of the expiration date and any packaging updates.

Morinaga’s Efforts and Safety Concerns

In recent years, Morinaga has been proactive about its environmental impact and food safety standards. There was an isolated incident where a piece of a worker’s glove was found in Hi-Chew candy, which led to a product recall.

However, Morinaga took swift action, recalling the affected batches and implementing stricter safety protocols at their Hyogo Morinaga factory. This shows the company’s commitment to quality and safety, even if it hasn’t yet addressed the demand for halal-friendly options.

Additionally, Morinaga has engaged its consumers by allowing user-submitted votes on new flavors. Some of the recent additions to the Hi-Chew lineup, such as strawberry cheesecake and cotton candy, are a result of this community engagement.

While these initiatives are exciting for candy lovers, they don’t change the fact that the product remains non-halal.

Halal-Friendly Alternatives to Hi-Chew

For Muslim consumers who love chewy fruit candies but cannot consume Hi-Chew, there are halal-certified alternatives available. Several companies now produce chewy candies and gummies that use plant-based or halal-certified gelatin. Some popular halal-friendly alternatives include:

• Ziyad Halal Candies: Offering a range of gummy and chewy candies made with halal-certified gelatin.
• Halal Gummy Bears: A popular option that mimics the texture and taste of traditional gummies, but uses gelatin from halal sources.
• Jelly Belly Gelatin-Free Candies: Although not specifically halal-certified, Jelly Belly offers many gelatin-free chewy candies that Muslim consumers may find suitable.

These alternatives allow Muslim consumers to enjoy similar candy experiences without compromising their dietary principles.

Conclusion

As Muslim consumers become more mindful of their food choices, it’s important for companies to recognize this demand and offer halal-certified options. Until Morinaga opts for a halal gelatin substitute, Hi-Chew will remain off the list for those following a halal lifestyle.