Does Hi chew contain dairy or gluten?

Hi Chew is gluten-free but contains dairy. Specifically, it contains milk-derived ingredients, so it is not safe for those with a milk allergy.

Is Hi chew good for weight loss?

No, Hi Chew is high in sugar and calories (approx. 150 calories per serving) and offers no satiety, making it a poor choice for weight loss diets.

Where can I buy Hi chew?

Hi Chew is widely available at major grocery stores, convenience stores (like 7-Eleven), and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Is Hi chew safe for kids?

Yes, Hi Chew is generally safe for children, but it is sticky and chewy, so parents should monitor younger children to prevent choking. It also contains high sugar content.

Is Hi Chew Gluten-Free?

Yes, Hi Chew is generally considered gluten-free. While the chewy candy does not list any wheat, rye, or barley ingredients, it is crucial to understand the specific components and manufacturing processes involved. This guide breaks down exactly what is inside a pack of Hi Chew to help you make an informed decision.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a candy is safe for a gluten-free diet, we look for the absence of gluten-containing grains and the risk of cross-contamination. Hi Chew is a fruit-flavored taffy-like candy that relies on a specific texture profile. Let's look at the main ingredients provided:

The primary ingredients are Glucose Syrup and Sugar. These are the structural base of the candy. Glucose syrup is typically derived from corn or wheat. However, in the United States and Japan (where Morinaga, the manufacturer, is based), glucose syrup derived from wheat is processed to remove gluten proteins, rendering it safe for celiacs according to FDA standards. It is highly unlikely that the wheat-based glucose would contain enough gluten to trigger a reaction.

The chewy texture comes from Gelatin. This is the most controversial ingredient in Hi Chew. Gelatin is a protein derived from animal collagen, usually from pork skin or cattle bones. While gelatin is naturally gluten-free, it is not vegan or vegetarian. If you avoid gluten for medical reasons (like Celiac disease), gelatin is safe. If you avoid it for lifestyle reasons (veganism), Hi Chew is not suitable.

Fats and emulsifiers like Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Sucrose Fatty Acid Esters, and Sorbitan Tristearate are used to create a smooth mouthfeel and prevent the candy from sticking to the wrapper. These are synthetic or processed fats that do not contain gluten. They are generally considered safe for a gluten-free diet.

Finally, the flavor and color system uses Natural and Artificial Flavors, various fruit juice concentrates (like Strawberry Juice Concentrate), and spirulina extract. The risk here lies in the "natural flavors," which can sometimes hide gluten-derived ingredients, but in a mass-market product like Hi Chew, the manufacturer explicitly labels allergens. Since Hi Chew does not carry a "Contains Wheat" warning, the natural flavors are safe.

Nutritional Value

Hi Chew is a confectionery treat, and its nutritional profile reflects that. It is high in sugar and contains added fats, which provide the energy and texture expected from a candy.

A standard serving size (usually 7 pieces or 41g) contains approximately 140 to 150 calories. The vast majority of these calories come from carbohydrates, specifically Sugar and Glucose Syrup. You can expect around 16g to 20g of sugar per serving. This is a significant amount and should be consumed in moderation, especially for those monitoring blood sugar levels or following a low-carb diet.

Fat content is relatively low, usually around 3g to 4g per serving, derived from the Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil. It contains negligible protein (less than 1g) and no dietary fiber. It does not provide essential vitamins or minerals. Therefore, while it fits within a gluten-free diet, it does not contribute to nutritional needs and should be treated as an occasional indulgence rather than a health food.