A candy bar a day keeps the Doctor away! Now, we know that's not really the saying, but here at Sweet Hamper Company everything we do is sweet themed and we know that sweets come in different shapes, tastes, styles and sweet gifts.
We are all well-acquainted with candies like candy corn, chocolates, pies, Halloween candy and common desserts that we have been eating all our lives; but behind most sweets, there are some really fun facts - about how it was invented, how popular it is and all that fun stuff.
If you like reading stories and facts about sweets then read on! This article by the Sweet Hamper Company is here for you to find out some of the most fascinating facts about some common sweets.
The MnM’s Fact
Recall those two little "M"s printed on the colourful MnMs that come in a brown packet. Have you ever wondered what they stand for? Well, the idea arose when Mr. Forest Mars noticed soldiers eating chocolate covered in hard shells so he decided to make his own so he discussed it with the owner of Hershey’s, Bruce Murrie.
Thus, the world was introduced to the Magnificent and Marvelous M&Ms. We keep munching on those nutty and plain M&Ms but surprisingly they also produce limited-edition flavours like pretzels, dark chocolate, caramel, and chocolate mint.
The Snickers Fact
“You’re not you when you’re hungry. Snickers Satisfies” – said all those snickers commercials. They really should stop making those mouthwatering commercials, that’s just a waste of money because we are buying snickers anyways.
A snickers bar is self-explanatory. Getting back to the most amusing fact that snickers were named after Mars families’ favourite horse. It is surprising to note the fact that people in the UK did not get to eat snickers under the same name.
In the U.K, people were eating the layers of roasted peanuts with nougat and caramel covered in milk chocolate under the name “Marathon” because Mr. Mars was too embarrassed as snickers rhymed with “knickers” which meant women underwear in British slang.
These wonderful chocolate bars contain around 240 kcals per 50g bar as found here on the world open food facts website.
Don't forget to check our some of our chocolate gift boxes, some of which contain these bars of nutty goodness
The KitKat Fact
A lot of people think that KitKats wafers are filled with milk chocolate only. However, the truth is that the non-shiny KitKats are crushed and mixed with chocolate and filled into another KitKat.
We solely associate KitKats with ‘have a break, have a KitKat!’ ads. This famous tag line has been associated with the chocolate bar since 1957 and is one of the most famous chocolate tag-lines around the world.
How Much Is Too Much?
When was the last time you ate a “death by chocolate cake” and did not pay attention to the fact that death due to excess chocolate is possible? Well, eighty-five chocolate bars for once are enough to send an average person from their cradle to their grave
Reading fun-filled and knowledgeable facts about sweets is an interesting way to pass your time. Just like we all love to eat chocolates and candies, it is important to know some important facts about them so we don’t overdo it as they can cause diabetes depriving you of the ability to eat as much sugar as you want.
A Decayed Fact
We all take our teeth for granted. The bacteria in our mouths feed on sugar. So, you must brush your teeth after eating any sweets to avoid plaque and tooth decay! This is super important to prolong the life of your teeth and gums. We're sure the dentist who helped invent cotton candy would agree.
Ancient Sweets
The UK's love for sweets dates back to ancient times. The earliest sweets were simple, honey-sweetened confections enjoyed in ancient Egypt, but the modern candy landscape began to take shape with innovations in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Lollipops
The lollipop, a favourite among kids and adults alike, has a fascinating history. The modern lollipop was invented in the early 20th century, with a new machine that could mass-produce these sweet treats. Swizzels Matlow's founders, a UK confectionery company, played a significant role in popularising lollipops.
World War II Sweets
During World War II, sweets were in short supply due to rationing. However, brands like Cadbury and Nestlé still managed to provide a little bit of sweetness, and many classic candies like Dairy Milk and Milky Way became symbols of comfort and nostalgia for many.
Halloween Candy
According to research, in the UK, snickers bars are the most popular Halloween candy. In the US, Reese's Butter Cups and Hershey's Kisses are up there at the top.
British Candy
The UK has produced some unique and iconic sweets. For instance, the famous gummy bears: "Jelly Babies" were originally marketed as “Peace Babies” to promote a message of goodwill at the end of the first world war.
They come in a variety of fruity flavours and are known for their soft, chewy texture.
Name Changes
Snickers bars, a popular candy bar in the UK, were originally known as "Marathon Bars" in the UK before the name was changed to align with the global brand.
This chocolate bar combines milk chocolate, caramel, and peanuts for a delicious, satisfying treat.
Sweet Flavours
The UK’s sweet culture is incredibly diverse. From minty peppermint candy canes and fruity gummy bears to rich milk chocolate and tangy hard candy, there's a flavour and shape for everyone. For instance, traditional sweets like "Black Jacks" and "Fruit Salads" offer a nostalgic taste of British confectionery.
Milky Way Chocolate
Did you know the Milky Way bar was originally made to resemble a malted milkshake? And they were named after this too - it was later changed to be named after the galaxy.