Hi-Chew announces winning flavor in East Meets West Challenge

America has voted and Dragon Fruit flavored Hi-Chew will be available here in 2019

Hi-Chew is quickly becoming one of the most popular candies in America, but it has been a long time favorite in Japan.  While Cherry, Green Apple and even Kiwi have proved to be fan favorites here, Asian Pear, Chocolate Covered Banana, Green Apple Mint, Dragonfruit, Mango-Pineapple and Sweet & Sour Lemon Crunch make people smile in Japan.

In order to bridge the Japanese/American flavor gap, Morinaga & Co., launched they East Meets West Challenge where candy connoisseurs were asked to vote on 20 exotic flavors and choose which one they would like to see in the USA in 2019, and the people have spoken.

We want dragon fruit.

The East Meets West Flavor Challenge took place in March.  Candy lovers were asked to go to the Hi-Chew site and vote on their most-desired new flavor of the delightful, chewy candy.  After the results were tabulated, it was announced that dragon fruit inspired the most Americans.

Here are some fun facts about the winning fruit flavor from the Hi-Chew team:

• The fruit is grown in various countries including the small Japanese island of Okinawa.
• Their appearance is exotic and beautiful, including a leafy pink skin.
• The inside is white or pink flesh with black seeds, similar in texture to the kiwi.
• Dragon Fruit is thought to taste like a mix between a pear and a kiwi, or a kiwi and a melon.

Hi-Chew can be found at many local retailers and learn more about them here.

Which flavor would you like to see Hi-Chew launch in the near future?

McCrea’s Caramels – Whether you’re hosting, gifting or not sharing at all