American Cherry HiChew

I am picky on my cherry flavors. I typically dislike anything that is labeled "wild cherry" because it reminds me of medicine. When I had the Diet Coke with Cherry in London, it tasted like rancid cough syrup. I don't mind tart fresh cherries, but the accompanying artificial flavor is hit-or-miss. Maraschino cherries remind me of being pregnant, because I downed a few food service sized jars in my first trimester. I do however like black cherry, and usually am pleased with the flavor, natural or artificial.

The American Cherry HiChew has intrigued me...what does a Japanese candy company like Morinaga believe is the all-American fruit flavor? The candy is a light lavender color with a darker plum center, very lightly scented of berry. I was expecting wild cherry, but was pleasantly suprised that is is a creamy black cherry flavor. It is like black cherry yogurt or ice cream. Similar to the berries and cream popcicles I downed by the boxful during the summer. The package was fresh and the candies soft. There are many fruit flavors I prefer over black cherry, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy this variety again.

Nicole Rates It...7.5/10

(Currently available through J-List, Mitsuwa Market, and Nijiya Market)