Why is Hi-Chew classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4) and which additives does it contain?

The candy is rated NOVA 4 because it includes multiple food‑industry additives such as the preservative E296, acidity regulator E330, thickening agent gelatin (E428), emulsifiers E473 and E491, and the emulsifier/stabiliser E570, all of which are typical of highly processed foods.

How does the high sugar and saturated‑fat content of Hi-Chew affect people with diabetes or hypertension?

The 62 g of sugar per 100 g can cause rapid blood‑glucose spikes, which is problematic for diabetes management, while the 9 g of saturated fat contributes to LDL cholesterol elevation; however, the product contains virtually no salt, so it does not directly exacerbate hypertension, though overall calorie density may still impact weight control.

Is the gelatin used in Hi-Chew a concern for vegetarians, vegans, or those allergic to animal proteins?

Yes, gelatin is derived from animal collagen and is listed as a non‑vegan, non‑vegetarian ingredient; it can also trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to animal proteins, so the product is unsuitable for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone avoiding gelatin.

Morinaga • 50 g

hi-chew

Sugary Snacks

Product Insights

Hi-Chew is a Japanese strawberry-flavored gummy candy produced by Morinaga, marketed as a sweet snack. It falls into the "Sugary snacks" and "Sweets" PNNS groups, carries a Nutri-Score of E and a NOVA 4 rating, reflecting its ultra-processed nature, with 62 g of sugar and 9 g of saturated fat per 100 g, while containing low salt and modest protein. The candy offers a quick source of energy but its high sugar and saturated‑fat levels, combined with several additives, make it unsuitable for health‑focused diets.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

high

Sugars

high

Salt

low

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal420 kcal

Fat9 g

Saturated Fat9 g

Trans Fat0 g

Cholesterol0 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with average sweet snacks, Hi-Chew contains more sugar (62 g vs 53.44 g) and saturated fat (9 g vs 6.99 g) but less total fat (9 g vs 10.52 g) and virtually no salt.

Ingredients

Hi-Chew Strawberry GB Ingredienser: Fruktos sirap, socker, vegetabilisk FLAVO olja (Palmolja), Gelatin, aromer, GLUC OFFA konserveringsmedel(E296), CON ATION NAHRWERTE ПONNELLES NERGIE (kJ/kca GRASSES ( FATTY ACIDS/ ETTSAUREN/ ( ATUCES PLEA surhetsreglerandemedel (E330),juice koncentrat från jordgubbar, emulgeringsmedel (E473, E491), GLUK lila morot juicekoncentrat (för färg), lecitin (SOJA). LEYDRATE SCHM Näringsinnehåll per 100g: Energi: 1757kJ/

84%

35%

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