The Makers of Hi-Chew Just Released the Energy Drink of the Future (It’s…Gel)

Hi-Chew is a very chewy fruit candy. MyMochi is the biggest mochi ice cream brand in America. Chargel is a line of caffeine-free “instant energy” jelly drink pouches. As of last week, Morinaga & Co. owns all three. We got our hands on all three flavors of Chargel at Mitsuwa Marketplace just outside Chicago; let’s find out whether jelly is the drink of the future.

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Chargel White Grape Instant Energy Gel Drink

White Grape Energy Gel!

Pros: I’ve had a couple white grape drinks from Japan before; this is absolutely authentic in its “white grape” flavor. (Can we talk about how white grapes are green? No, there isn’t enough time for that.)

Cons: In both label color and flavor, this won’t strike most Americans as particularly grape. Our grape-flavored products lean towards the purple concord variety, so this is tame in comparison. That difference will be a positive for some, but confusing to many more.

Credit: Griffin Parker / Chargel

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

Strawberry Energy Gel!

Chargel Strawberry Instant Energy Gel Drink

Pros: In terms of American familiarity, this is the exact opposite of White Grape. The strong, authentic strawberry flavor isn’t surprising, considering strawberry juice is the third listed ingredient. I’m not a marathon runner, but I could see this being a true lifeline in the middle of a race.

Cons: Since these aren’t caffeinated, there isn’t a major reason these pouches couldn’t be bigger. I’m a grown person; give me more than 6.35oz of this fun little drink, please.

Credit: Griffin Parker / Chargel

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Apple Energy Gel!

Chargel Apple Instant Energy Gel Drink

Pros: This third Chargel flavor is all the best parts of the other two. While the non-sour green apple flavor here isn’t too familiar to an American palate, it’s undoubtedly authentic and absolutely fantastic. Think apple pie without the cinnamon. If you’re only looking to try the best of the best, this is the Chargel you want.

Cons: No notes. When will we get Hi-Chew-flavored Chargel drinks? The taffy-esque candy brand is collaborating with the frozen yogurt chain Menchie’s every few months; let’s do some brand crossovers ASAP. (I’d put money on Hi-Chew-flavored MyMochi hitting shelves in the next two years.)

Credit: Griffin Parker / Chargel

Rating:

10/10

Sporks