[1] The pale/dark pink candy is usually formed into discs two millimeters thick, and packaged in cylindrical stacks with label art resemblant of Chinese fireworks.

The sweet and tangy snack is usually served to guests along with tea or as a treat for children.

Low-sugar and additive-free haw flakes aimed towards the health conscious are readily available in China but less so in the West.

Haw flakes have been seized on several occasions by the United States Food and Drug Administration for containing Ponceau 4R (E124, Acid Red 18), an unapproved artificial coloring.

The food coloring was previously banned in Denmark, Belgium, France and Switzerland.