Pop Japan

Hi-Chew is a chewy fruit candy first released in Japan in 1975. It is a product of Morinaga & Company. There have been over 170 different flavors of Hi-Chew Candy to date.

The mainstay flavors of Hi-Chew are Kiwi, Mango, Grape, Strawberry, and Green Apple. Hi-Chew is also available as Fizzies, which have a soda taste. There are also the Sours, which are made with a citrus mix.

Hi-Chew originated as the Chewlets in 1956. Its founder, Taichiro Morinaga sought to create a chewing gum that could be swallowed. Enter the Chewlets-- it was a strawberry flavored candy that could be chewed like bubble gum,without the hassle of disposal, since it dissolves in the mouth.

Hi-Chew is officially approved as food for astronauts by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Photo by Henry Ngo. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Tags: Hi-chew candy, morinaga & company, fizzies, sours, chewlets, taichiro morinaga, astronauts, food for astronauts, japan aerospace exploration agency, jaxa