Morinaga Hi Chew - How Many Flavors?

Posted under Sweets & Snacks by susan

Hi Chew candies are the soft, chewy candy that was first released by Japanese candy maker - Morinaga in Japan in 1975. It was re-released in its current shape (a stick of several individually-wrapped candies) in February 1986.

Hi-chew candies are individually wrapped. Each candy has an outer white coating (this is the same for every flavor) and a colored, flavored interior, with some exception. For example, the Strawberry Cheesecake and Yogurt flavors have an outer colored coating with a white, flavored inside. There are also other flavors, such as Banana Chocolate, Watermelon chocolate, they could have chocolate dots in the white coating layer.

The flavor of hi chew is similar to US’ Laffy Taffy or Starburs or salty taffy candy, with a texture leans toward chewing gum. It is more chewy, not sticky at all.

Morinaga offers flavors of Hi chew each year. There are three flavors available all year around, which are: Green apple, Grape, and Strawberry. Each year, it releases several other new flavors. Some are the variation of previous released flavors, some are brand new. The most interesting flavors of year 2009 are: Dragon fruit and Camu Camu berry.

Morinaga has factories both in Japan and Taiwan. The original Japanese version has all Japanese printed over the wrapper, and each candy is individually wrapped in foil. The size of Japanese version is also larger, which is about 2.0 Oz per pack. Some very special flavors, such as Chocolate watermelon mentioned above, are in 1.5 Oz.

The “Hi Chew” in English is printed on the wrappers of Hi chew made outside of Japan. The size is smaller, they can be ranged from 1.5 ~ 1.7 Oz.

Hi Chew Ume Plum (Made in Japan)

Traditional Flavors:

Sold out in 2009: Banana, Mango, Lychee, Mix fruit & Strawberry Cheese Cake

Although we do like flavor and texture of Original Japanese Hi Chew Better, we do find some interesting hi chew flavors made in Taiwan. The flavors are similar but with lower cost. They are offered by Amazon.  Click on the picture to go to the product pages. Here are some interesting and cheaper version of Hi chew flavors made in Taiwan:

This is not exactly the hi chew, but another very popular Morinaga product. It is made in Taiwan, a cheaper alternative than those made in Japan.