Latest news with #WagonWheels
Metro
6 days ago
- General
- Metro
People are just realising what's actually inside of a Jammie Dodger biscuit
Jammie Dodgers seem like pretty straightforward biscuits, don't they? Just shortcake rounds glued together with bright red jam (presumably strawberry or raspberry). The iconic biscuits, with little hearts on the top, are owned by Fox's Burton's Companies (FBC), which also owns Maryland cookies, Party Rings, Wagon Wheels and Rocky. And while they've been made and sold in the UK since 1960, some people – myself included – are only just learning what's really inside a Jammie Dodger and spoiler alert: it's not quite what it seems. It turns out that ordinary Jammie Dodgers actually contain apple jam, which is flavoured with raspberry. Not raspberry jam. And this is the case for all of the products in the Jammie Dodger range. If you buy a packet of the Really Fruity Strawberry Jammie Dodgers, it's the same thing, with strawberry flavoured shortcake biscuits and strawberry flavoured apple jam inside. Even in the apple and blackcurrant flavoured ones, the apple jam is flavoured with apple and blackcurrant. This isn't something the brand is trying to hide though, as the product packaging clearly states this is the case on the back. Interestingly, on the front it says they have a 'new fruitier jam' and this is perhaps because historically the jam was made with a different fruit – plums. In her book, The Biscuit: The History of a Very British Indulgence, food historian Lizzie Collingham claims this is because plums were cheaper to use than raspberries. But it's not just the biscuit tin where you'll find this unexpected filling – it's also used in jam doughnuts from Greggs. Yep, the bakery chain's classic jam doughnut contains an 'apple and raspberry jam filling', as does the Pink Jammie Doughnut. However, the brand's Jammy Heart Biscuit is only listed as containing a raspberry jam filling on the website. Many jam doughnuts you can buy from the supermarket or bakeries may also contain an apple filling with added flavourings. It's thought this is because apples are cheaper, naturally sweet and when turned into a sauce or paste, have a smooth, jammy texture that's easier to work with. On social media, dozens of people also recently discovered the food industry's little-known jam secret and it's blowing their minds. 'Every day is a school day,' posted the Very British Problems Facebook page, to which Stuart Oh said: 'Something like this makes one question everything they know and makes their world crash around them.' Similarly, Kayla Margaret replied: 'Well I am flabbergasted. I always thought it was strawberry jam. Good lord.' And Katrina Devriese proclaimed: 'Wait…what???' As Posy Maynard wrote that she'd found this discovery 'most distressing'. Others who already knew about the jam shared their own thoughts on why apples were used and other sneaky products you might find it in. Abigail Farenden commented: 'Most bakeries that do something like a victoria sponge, or jam turnover, or a cream and jam donut, if they don't specify a flavour of jam, they'll have what my catering school bought called 'red jam'. It was primarily apples, for the cheap pectin and bulk, and then it had all sorts of random red fruits and berries in it. Currant, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, cherry, plum. I actually prefer it over pure strawberry, which I find too sickly. I'd rather a better quality raspberry, but it was ok.' More Trending While Phil Dibbs revealed: 'Apples are a cheap base bulk product for jam. Really cheap jam from Eastern Europe uses carrots for the same reason.' Jay Bee also claimed that some jams contain turnips, adding: 'Reminds me of my grandma! As a child she lived near a famous jam factory and regularly saw delivery of both strawberries and turnips to their manufacturing plant! I always think of turnips when I eat jam now.' 'As someone with an intolerance to apples I can confidently say, everything that tastes sweet has apple in it, everything savoury has onion in it, which I'm also intolerant to,' adds Carolyn Knipe. 'Obviously this is in regard to mass produced snack foods. The sugar in your tea probably doesn't have apple in it.' View More » Some people also pointed out that a lot of red fruit juices contain apple, even when it's not the predominant flavour, and that you should keep an eye out for anything where the product description uses the word 'flavour', as more often than not it's a giveaway that it's not made with the actual food. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Aldi fans praise supermarket for free all-day breakfast treat that 'outdoes McDonald's' MORE: American restaurant announces 'major comeback' in UK with first-ever breakfast menu MORE: The UK's best restaurant has been crowned and it sells 'superb' £10 sandwiches
South Wales Argus
7 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Cwmbran: Former dental laboratory for sale in Pontnewydd
The Commercial Street property, previously used as a dental laboratory, presents a flexible and versatile space, with potential for various commercial opportunities. The property comprises a reception room, storage room, kitchen, and a rear garden, providing outdoor space. Estate agent Hathways suggests that the property is an ideal canvas for customisation and refurbishment, allowing buyers to create a commercial space tailored to their vision. The agent added that the property spans a multitude of possibilities, and is a promising investment opportunity. However, it does require updating, and any change of use would be subject to the buyer obtaining the relevant planning permissions. The property's location in the village of Pontnewydd ensures access to a range of amenities and services, enhancing its appeal for both business owners and customers alike. The area is known for its charm, combining convenience and character with breathtaking views in a serene environment. Living in Pontnewydd provides easy access to a wide selection of supermarkets and shops, all within a convenient walking distance. For commuters, Pontnewydd is less than an hour away from Bristol, offering a scenic retreat. Hathways recommends an early internal inspection to fully appreciate the potential this terraced commercial property holds. The agent also advises that the property currently has a rateable value of £3,350, and is freehold. However, it is the buyer's responsibility to determine the council tax band and tenure. The agent notes that with promising investment returns awaiting, all buyers are encouraged to seek legal representation and obtain professional advice prior to purchase. Cwmbran, the town encompassing Pontnewydd, is famous for being the only New Town in Wales, developed post World War II to boost living standards. This planned development has resulted in well-maintained housing and infrastructure. Cwmbran is also known for its association with biscuit-making, being the home to Burton's Foods, the producer of beloved biscuits, including Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels. The town offers a wide range of activities, from shopping in the pedestrianised Cwmbran Centre, boasting over 170 shops, to exploring outdoor spaces like the picturesque Cwmbran Boating Lake Park and Henllys local nature reserve. Historic and cultural attractions include the Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre and the Llanyrafon Manor, a Rural Heritage Centre. Those interested in sports can find an array of sports teams, offering everything from athletics to rugby.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Aldi shoppers go wild for 'beautiful' new iced coffee and can't believe price
As temperatures continue to rise, many of us are swapping our hot drinks for cooler alternatives – and people are rushing to Aldi to get their hands on three new frappe flavours Coffee fans are rushing to their nearest Aldi to get their hands on a range of cool new barista-style drinks that you can have at home. The iced drinks have been hailed as "so good" and "beautiful" by fans. As warm temperatures and sunshine prevail, many of us are switching out our regular hot drinks for iced alternatives. But spending money often on iced coffees, matchas or frappes from cafes can be a costly habit. Instead, Aldi has launched three new drinks you can pick up instore and enjoy at home or on the go. Simply empty the packet into your favourite cup with some water or milk and stir well. The frappes are available in three new flavours: original, white mocha, and pistachio. "Think barista-style bliss without the barista-sized bill," a spokesperson for Aldi said. The drinks launched in stores on May 15 and are priced at £1.69 for a box of 1o – which works out at less than 17p per drink. Speaking about the flavours, Aldi shared: "Each sachet whips up a velvety frappe when mixed with milk or water, hot or cold and served over ice. For a proper coffeehouse hit, shoppers can add a shot of espresso or blend with ice for a frosty treat. "Whether it's a cool iced drink or a creamy Dubai-style latte, these easy-to-use sachets are a purse-friendly way to enjoy barista-style frappes from the comfort of home." Viral money-saving content creator, Ashleigh, tried the pistachio flavour recently and gave the drink the seal of approval. On her TikTok account @ashleighmoneysaver, she said: "Calling all pistachio lovers. Get yourself down to Aldi. They have just launched their new Barissimo frappe sachets, including a pistachio flavour. "£1.69 for a pack of 10, You know these will fly off the shelves!" "They're sooo good," commented one fan. Meanwhile another added: "Omg who needs these pistachio frappes from Aldi? Me." @ also shared a clip after spotting the treats instore, and said: "Aldi is absolutely smashing it with their new snacks and now they've dropped two iced frappes - pistachio and white mocha. These are £1.69 each." "They looks so good," commented another. But one individual shared their honest review and noted: "I'm having the pistachio one, it's OK, not over impressed! Going to try the white chocolate one tomorrow!" @itschelseylife rated the pistachio latte 10/10. She said: "Run don't walk to Aldi. If you love pistachio, you'll love this." "I need," insisted another. In other food news, a reporter tried the new mystery fizzy drinks sold at Aldi, plus people are just realising the inspiration behind the name of Wagon Wheels.
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Wagon Wheel chocolate leaves Brits baffled as name has nothing to do with shape
Wagon Wheels have been a firm favourite in British lunchboxes for generations - but there's a mind-blowing reason behind the iconic name which has left everyone baffled The inspiration behind the name of Wagon Wheels has a fun backstory, and it's not related to their shape. Despite their circular shape resembling an old-fashioned cart wheel, this isn't the reason for their name. They're actually named after a specific cultural trend. These iconic treats consist of two chocolate biscuits sandwiching a marshmallow filling, all covered in milk chocolate, and sometimes filled with jam. They were invented in the 1940s by William Peschardt, who sold the patent to Garry Weston, son of British MP and food company owner Willard Garfield Weston. Wagon Wheels hit the market in 1948 and made their debut at the Olympia Food Fair where Garry Weston introduced them as the "biggest chocolate biscuit bar", according to HuffPost. However, there were grumbles that Wagon Wheels weren't "creative enough". Initially, the snack was simply marshmallow sandwiched between two biscuits and smothered in chocolate - without any jam. Their original moniker was Weston's Wagon Wheels, inspired by western cowboy films, which led to the birth of this now widely recognised sweet treat, as previously reported by The Mirror. Western films were all the rage back in the day, boasting big names such as John Wayne, a factor that led to the enduring name of the beloved Wagon Wheel biscuit. Now owned by Burton's Biscuits, these treats are flying off the shelves, with an astonishing 125 million Wagon Wheels snatched up yearly. But it's not just Wagon Wheels that have biscuit lovers' hearts; Hobnobs have also secured their status as a biscuit tin staple among Brits who love dunking them in their tea. Curiosity was piqued when Channel 4's 'The Secret World Of Biscuits' unveiled the secret behind the Hobnob's unique name and how it kept its nose ahead in the biscuity race. The show revealed that the Hobnob, launched in supermarkets in 1985, owes its distinctive nubbin texture to the flapjack-inspired inclusion of oats by McVitie's. Pam, who was responsible for managing the McVitie's team tasked with conjuring up this novel treat, shared: "[The focus groups] said [the biscuit] was knobbly, because, you know, it wasn't a very smooth finish in the way, for instance, Digestive or Rich Tea are. And they said it looked as if somebody had made it at home, maybe made it on a hob." She added: "And so, I wanted a name that was very easy to say and just rolled off the tongue. And so, 'Hobnob'."
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
People are only just realising how classic biscuit treat Wagon Wheels was named
Foodies are reeling after finding out the real reason why beloved biscuit Wagon Wheels got its name. Wagon Wheels, invented in the 1940s by William Peschardt (who then sold the patent to Gary Weston) are comprised of two biscuits with a jam and marshmallow filling, covered in milk chocolate. They were originally marketed as 'Weston Wagon Wheels', referring to the biscuit's circular shape while nodding to patent owner Gary Weston. The name was inspired by Wild West cowboy movies that were massively popular at the time, especially if they starred Hollywood legend John Wayne. Gary, son of British MP Garfield Weston, debuted Wagon Wheels 77 years ago at the Olympia Food Fair, marketing them as the 'biggest chocolate biscuit bar' going. At the time, western movies were all the rage, with Wayne's film Red River being one of the highest-grossing films of that year. Weston decided to capitalise on the popularity by naming the new sweet treat Wagon Wheels with a western-style package design. When they were first sold, Wagon Wheels only contained marshmallow, biscuit and chocolate. The famous jam layer was added much later. They were initially made in a factory in Slough, but production moved to another facility in South Wales in the 1980s and it's remained there ever since. Weston's no longer own Wagon Wheels and they are distributed under Burton's Foods in the UK, Arnott's Biscuits in Australia and Dare foods Limited in Canada. They have become so iconic around the world that Great British Bake Off host Paul Hollywood had contestants try to recreate the snack as a challenge on the Channel 4 competition. Fans have long debated online the size of Wagon Wheels, claiming the biscuit's diameter has been shrinking over the years. 'Wagon wheels were one of the first shrinkflation products I remember being talked about. They have just got smaller again and thinner,' one man said. 'They're just scooter wheels now,' joked another. Some suggested that Wagon Wheels only feel smaller to adults now as they are comparing them to their memories eating them as children when their hands were much smaller. 'Wasn't sure if they got smaller or I got bigger,' someone said. 'Today's wagon wheels are more like pram wheels. They're definitely inferior in size and quality. They used to be a real feast, and my memories aren't coming from childhood. I was an adult, and they were much bigger, with lots of marshmallow,' one person hit back. The company denied the allegations with a Burton's spokesperson releasing a statement. 'They've never got smaller!! EVER – Our hands have just got bigger,' they said. Another dispute in Britain is whether a Wagon Wheel is considered a biscuit, a cake or a chocolate bar. On Tesco's website, it says Wagon Wheels are a 'biscuit filled with mallow and covered in chocolate-flavoured coating.' The product is also made up of 24 per cent chocolate coating and 22 per cent marshmallow. Burton's Biscuit Co describes Wagon Wheels as 'the maverick of the biscuit world with an epic sense of adventure,' clearly stating that they consider them a biscuit. One Twitter user even asked her Amazon Alexa whether Wagon Wheels are a biscuit and it said they were But people on Twitter think otherwise, as the snack is at the centre of a fierce debate. One user wrote: 'A Wagon Wheel is not a biscuit - idiot' Another penned: 'I've just found out that a "wagon wheel" is actually a biscuit... my life will never be the same.' The debates have not dampened Brits' love for the classic treat as more than 125million Wagon Wheels are sold in the UK every year. A third said: 'I will not accept that a wagon wheel is a biscuit until Queen Mary says it herself.' One person wrote that they even asked their Amazon Alexa device whether a Wagon Wheel was a biscuit. She penned: 'I asked Alexa is a wagon wheel a biscuit & she said yes.'
