Is Chinese hawthorn candy good for you? A look at benefits vs. sugar content

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Hawthorn berries have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to aid digestion, but when consumed as Chinese hawthorn candy, their health benefits are balanced by a significant sugar content. These treats, commonly known as haw flakes or tanghulu, are popular snacks, but their nutritional value differs vastly from the raw fruit. Understanding the distinction is key to determining if Chinese hawthorn candy is good for you.

Quick Summary

This article explores the health pros and cons of Chinese hawthorn candy, analyzing the proven benefits of hawthorn berries from TCM and modern research alongside the high sugar content found in most commercial versions. It details the fruit's antioxidant, digestive, and heart-health properties while advising moderation due to added sugars and processing. Specific precautions for certain individuals are also covered.

Key Points

TCM Roots: Hawthorn berries (Shan Zha) have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to aid digestion, particularly after rich meals.
Heart-Healthy Compounds: Modern research confirms hawthorn's benefits for cardiovascular health due to antioxidants and flavonoids that improve circulation and heart muscle function.
High Sugar Content: Most commercial hawthorn candy, including haw flakes, contains very high levels of added sugar, offsetting the fruit's nutritional value.
Moderation is Key: Chinese hawthorn candy is best enjoyed in moderation as a sweet treat, not a health supplement, to avoid the negative effects of high sugar intake.
Healthier Alternatives: To maximize hawthorn's benefits, consider consuming it in less processed forms like teas, supplements, or homemade fruit leathers, where sugar content can be controlled.
Drug Interactions and Risks: Individuals on heart medication, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with specific health conditions should consult a doctor before consuming hawthorn due to potential side effects and drug interactions.

The Traditional Roots: Hawthorn Berries in Chinese Medicine

The story of Chinese hawthorn candy begins with the hawthorn fruit itself, or Shan Zha (山楂), a staple of traditional Chinese medicine. In TCM, hawthorn berries are known for their ability to treat "food stagnation," a condition where food isn't properly digested, particularly after consuming rich or greasy meals. The fruit works by stimulating gastrointestinal secretions and promoting peristalsis, the muscular contractions that move food through the digestive tract. Historically, haw flakes and other hawthorn preparations were often used as a digestive aid, not just a sweet treat.

Modern Science Supports Ancient Wisdom

Beyond its traditional use, modern scientific research has shed light on the potential health benefits of hawthorn berries, largely attributed to their rich content of antioxidants, flavonoids, and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs).

Heart Health: Hawthorn is widely known for its beneficial properties for the cardiovascular system. It may help strengthen the heart muscle, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure. Some studies suggest it can improve blood flow to the heart and even help manage mild heart failure, although more research is needed.
Antioxidant Power: The berries are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage. This protective effect can reduce inflammation and potentially lower the risk of certain diseases.
Digestive Aid: Supporting its TCM history, the dietary fiber in hawthorn berries can aid digestion and gut health. The fruit's enzymes help break down food, and its use is recommended for issues like bloating and indigestion.

The Sugar Dilemma: Hawthorn Candy vs. Berries

While the source fruit is nutritious, the conversion into candy, such as haw flakes or candied skewers (tanghulu), introduces a major nutritional change: a high concentration of added sugar. This is the critical factor when considering the question, "Is Chinese hawthorn candy good for you?" The potential benefits of the hawthorn berries themselves are largely overshadowed by the negative health impacts of excessive sugar consumption.

Comparison: Fresh Hawthorn vs. Candy


Feature	Fresh Hawthorn Berries	Hawthorn Candy (e.g., Haw Flakes)
Sugar Content	Naturally low in sugar	Very high in added sugar (e.g., over 70g per 100g in some flakes)
Nutrient Density	High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants	Lower, with added sugar diluting nutritional value
Traditional Use	Used medicinally as a digestive aid and tonic	Used as a sweet treat; sometimes still associated with digestion
Processing	Eaten raw, dried, or steeped	Processed with sugar, sometimes artificial colors and other ingredients
Health Impact	Benefits include heart health, digestion, and antioxidants	High sugar content can lead to weight gain, dental issues, and blood sugar spikes

The Risks and Considerations of Hawthorn Candy

Because of the significant sugar content in most commercial hawthorn candies, moderation is crucial. Consuming too much can lead to several health issues associated with high sugar intake.

Blood Sugar Levels: The large amount of sugar can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, making it unsuitable for those managing diabetes or insulin sensitivity.
Weight Gain: High-sugar snacks are calorically dense and can contribute to weight gain if consumed frequently.
Dental Health: The sugary, sticky nature of the candy can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Specific Populations: The Michelin Guide advises that pregnant women, children, and those with excessive gastric acid should eat hawthorn snacks sparingly. Hawthorn extracts can also interact with certain heart medications, so it's critical to consult a doctor before using supplements.

How to Enjoy Hawthorn Healthily

If you want to reap the benefits of hawthorn without the drawbacks of high sugar, there are several alternatives to commercial candy.

Hawthorn Tea: Boiling hawthorn berries in water creates a soothing, low-sugar tea that retains the fruit's digestive properties. You can add other ingredients like monk fruit or ginger for extra flavor and benefit.
Homemade Haw Leather: With just a few ingredients—hawthorn berries, water, and optional sweetener—you can create a nutritious fruit leather. This allows you to control the amount of sugar added.
Fresh or Dried Berries: Eating the fruit fresh or dried is the most direct way to get its benefits. They are tart, so they may be an acquired taste, but they are the healthiest option.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of whether Chinese hawthorn candy is good for you has a nuanced answer. While the hawthorn berry at its core offers significant health benefits for digestion and cardiovascular health, the traditional candy version is typically loaded with sugar. As a result, it should be viewed as a treat rather than a health food. Enjoying it in moderation is key to balancing its appealing flavor with a healthy diet. For those seeking the genuine medicinal properties of hawthorn, less processed forms like teas, supplements, or homemade preparations are far better options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Haw flakes are typically made from the fruit of the Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida), sugar, and sometimes other flavorings or colorings.

While the hawthorn berry itself is traditionally used to aid digestion, the high sugar content in hawthorn candy can counteract or overshadow these benefits. For digestive health, it's better to consume hawthorn in less processed forms.

Some studies suggest that hawthorn berries might support metabolism and digestion, which are factors in weight management. However, the high sugar content in hawthorn candy makes it counterproductive for weight loss.

The side effects of hawthorn are generally mild but can include dizziness, nausea, or digestive distress. These are more related to the medicinal properties of the berry than the candy itself, but the high sugar is a separate concern.

Pregnant women, children, and individuals with excessive gastric acid should eat hawthorn snacks sparingly. Those with heart conditions on medication should consult a doctor before consuming hawthorn products due to potential drug interactions.

You can consume hawthorn as a tea by boiling the berries, or make a low-sugar fruit leather at home. Alternatively, look for hawthorn supplements or tinctures under a doctor's guidance.

Tanghulu is a specific type of candied fruit on a stick, which traditionally uses hawthorn berries coated in a hard sugar shell. Haw flakes are another type of hawthorn candy, made into small, flat discs.