Are you a fan of Hi-Chew candy? Do you follow a vegan or halal diet?
If so, you may be wondering if Hi-Chew contains pork gelatin. The answer is yes, most Hi-Chew products do contain pork gelatin, making them unsuitable for vegans and those who follow a halal diet.
But don’t worry, there are still options for you to enjoy this chewy candy.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the ingredients of Hi-Chew and explore why gelatin is used in the first place.
So, let’s get started!
Does Hi-Chew Have Pork Gelatin?
As mentioned earlier, most Hi-Chew products do contain pork gelatin. Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen in animal tissues, such as bones, skin, and ligaments. It’s used in many food products to give them a chewy texture and consistency.
Unfortunately for vegans and those who follow a halal diet, gelatin is always animal-derived and thus never considered vegan or vegetarian. This means that any product containing gelatin is automatically non-vegan and non-halal.
However, there is one exception to this rule when it comes to Hi-Chew candy. The Hi-Chew Bites do not contain gelatin, making them a suitable option for vegans and those who follow a halal diet.
It’s important to note that even though the Hi-Chew Bites do not contain gelatin, they still may contain other non-vegan ingredients. So, it’s always important to read the ingredients label before consuming any food product.
Understanding Gelatin And Its Uses In Candy
Gelatin is a common ingredient in many types of candy, including gummy candies, licorice sugar, and fruit-flavored Swiss sugar. It is used to give candy a unique texture and taste, as well as to help it maintain its shape. Gelatin is a protein that has thermo-reversible properties, meaning it can be melted when heated and gelled when cooled. This characteristic is what makes gelatin so useful in candy production.
Gelatin’s gelling properties and thermal plasticity are the main factors that make it useful in candy production. In addition to providing a unique texture and taste, it can also be dissolved quickly under high concentration conditions. Gelatin is often used in combination with other colloids to produce confectionery products.
The concentration and grade of gelatin determine the exact temperatures at which it solidifies and melts. Most gelatin has a melting point near body temperature, which gives foods made with gelatin a smooth, creamy mouthfeel similar to chocolate.
It’s important to note that gelatin is not vegan or vegetarian as it is derived from animal tissues such as bones, skin, and ligaments. This means that any product containing gelatin is automatically non-vegan and non-halal. However, there are vegan alternatives available for those who wish to avoid animal-derived ingredients.
In candy production, gelatin is used to make candy rich in elastic and comfortable unique taste. It can also be dissolved quickly under high concentration conditions. Gelatin is also used as a protective colloid in dairy products and frozen foods to prevent crystallization of ice and sugar. It inhibits water separation in sour cream and cottage cheese and helps to retain natural juices, enhance texture, and flavor in meat products.
The Ingredients Of Hi-Chew Candy
The ingredients of Hi-Chew candy vary depending on the flavor, but most Hi-Chew products contain glucose syrup, sugar, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, gelatin, natural and artificial flavors, strawberry juice from concentrate, DL-malic acid, citric acid, emulsifiers, sodium lactate solution, and natural colors (beta-carotene, carmine). Some flavors may also contain soybeans or milk.
It’s important to note that gelatin is derived from pork in Hi-Chew products, making them unsuitable for those who follow a halal or vegetarian diet. However, the Hi-Chew Bites do not contain gelatin and are a suitable option for vegans and those who follow a halal diet.
Additionally, Hi-Chew candy may be processed in facilities that also process dairy products, so those with dairy allergies should be cautious when consuming Hi-Chew products.
Identifying Pork Gelatin In Hi-Chew Products
If you’re unsure whether a Hi-Chew product contains pork gelatin, the easiest way to identify it is by checking the ingredients label. Pork gelatin is usually listed as “gelatin” or “pork gelatin.”
It’s important to note that not all Hi-Chew products contain pork gelatin. The location of manufacturing can also determine whether a product contains tapioca glucose syrup or corn glucose syrup. Products made in Taiwan contain tapioca glucose syrup, while those made in Shanghai and the United States contain corn glucose syrup. The location of manufacturing can be found on the back of each product.
If you’re looking for a vegan or halal option, the Hi-Chew Bites are a safe bet since they do not contain gelatin. However, other Hi-Chew products may still contain non-vegan ingredients, such as dairy or honey, so it’s always best to check the label before consuming.
Vegan And Halal Alternatives To Hi-Chew Candy
For those who cannot consume Hi-Chew Bites due to dietary restrictions, there are several vegan and halal alternatives available.
Haribo and Albanese are two popular brands that offer halal-certified gummy candies in a variety of flavors. These gummies are made with plant-based ingredients and do not contain any animal-derived gelatin. SmartSweets is another brand that offers vegan gummy candies that are also gluten-free and low in sugar.
When it comes to chocolate bars, there are several options that are both vegan and halal. Almond Joy, Candyland, Hershey’s, Kit Kat, Laffy Taffy, Milky Way, Mounds, Reese’s, Snickers, and Twix are all chocolate bars that fit these criteria.
For candy bars, Airheads, Butterfinger, Candy Canes, Kit Kat, Skittles, and Twizzlers are all options that are vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and halal.
Hard candy lovers can enjoy Jolly Ranchers and Starburst as both of these options are also vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and halal.
It’s important to note that while these alternatives may be suitable for vegans and those who follow a halal diet, they still may contain other non-vegan or non-halal ingredients. So always be sure to read the ingredients label before consuming any food product.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Your Candy Consumption
In conclusion, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients in the candy we consume. Hi-Chew candies are a popular treat loved by many, but it’s crucial to note that most flavors contain pork gelatin, making them unsuitable for vegans and those who follow a halal diet. However, the Hi-Chew Bites are a suitable option for those who avoid gelatin.
It’s always a good idea to read the ingredients label before consuming any food product to ensure that it aligns with your dietary restrictions or preferences. By making informed choices about our candy consumption, we can enjoy our favorite treats while still maintaining our dietary values.
