Frequently Asked Questions
What is HI-CHEW®?
HI-CHEW® is a uniquely soft candy with a long-lasting, chewy texture. Combine that with smooth, real fruit flavors and – just like that – you’ve got HI-CHEW®. With an assortment of fruity flavors to choose from, we’re confident HI-CHEW® is like nothing you’ve ever tasted before!
How was HI-CHEW® created?
In the 1950’s, Morinaga was trying to create a new kind of chewing gum for Japan. Back then, it was very impolite to take food out of your mouth. So Morinaga tried to create a more culturally accepted version of chewing gum—one that could be swallowed.
Fortunately, Morinaga already made outstanding caramel with a uniquely chewy, creamy texture. It was unlike anything else in Japan. In 1956, natural strawberry flavor was added to the caramel recipe and Chewlets was born. Then in 1975, after decades of hard work perfecting the recipe, Morinaga re-introduced Chewlets to Japan as the wonderful candy we now know as HI-CHEW®.
Since then, HI-CHEW® has been produced in over 170 flavors and become the most popular chewy candy in Japan.
Where can I find HI-CHEW®?
To find stores that carry HI-CHEW® products near you, check out the Where to Buy section of our website. We suggest contacting the store prior to visiting as we cannot guarantee the availability of the product.
What type of gelatin is used in HI-CHEW®?
HI-CHEW® products contain pork gelatin.
Is HI-CHEW® gluten-free?
Yes, HI-CHEW® is gluten-free. HI-SOFT™ Salted Caramel Chews are NOT gluten-free. If you have gluten sensitivities, we recommend choosing HI-CHEW® instead.
For additional questions, please reach out to our customer service team here.
What allergens are contained in HI-CHEW®?
Depending on the flavor and product, HI-CHEW® contains soybean and may contain milk. As there are variances between each of our products, please carefully read the allergen information on the product packaging and individual wrap label.
HI-SOFT™ contains milk, coconut, wheat, and soybeans. HI-SOFT™ may also contain peanuts and other tree nuts.
For additional questions, please reach out to our customer service team here.
Does HI-CHEW® contain nuts?
HI-CHEW® does not contain peanuts and are not currently manufactured in peanut facilities. HI-CHEW® is also safe for those with tree-nut allergies.
Why did I receive an empty wrapper in my bag?
Occasionally during our packaging process, an empty HI-CHEW® wrapper makes its way into the bag. However, our bags are packaged by the weight of HI-CHEW® that they contain, so a bag with an empty piece of HI-CHEW® should have an extra piece to make up for this mistake. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Why did my mixed bag not have an even distribution of flavors?
We package our products according to weight, and not by flavor, so you may occasionally find a bag with an uneven distribution of flavors.
I would like to suggest a new HI-CHEW® flavor or product.
We love to hear input and suggestions from our fans! Please send us your flavor or product suggestions to our contact page located at the bottom of the HI-CHEW® website. We will be sure to pass your feedback along to the team.
Will my rewards points ever expire?
All unredeemed points will expire on a rolling basis, depending on your latest interaction. You will have 365 days after your last point transaction to either earn more points (make a purchase) or use your points (claim a reward). To check the expiration date of your points, please log into your HI-CHEW account and click “Earn Points” at the lower right corner of our website to learn more.
You will receive two email notifications as the expiration date of your points approaches: the first reminder sent 30 days before the expiration, followed by a last chance email sent 3 days before the expiration.
Can I redeem multiple prizes at the same time?
Unfortunately, only one reward OR discount code can be redeemed per order. Discover ways to earn and redeem points by clicking “Earn Points” at the bottom right corner of our website.
When will the products/prizes be restocked?
We are sorry to hear that the products/prizes you are looking for are currently out of stock. Please rest assured we are aware of the situation and will restock inventory as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to check back with us soon!
Have a question that is not answered here?
Contact our customer service team by sending us your inquiry on our contact page.