Twiglets
Twiglets are a wheat-based, oven-baked snack food originating from the United Kingdom, characterized by their distinctive knobbly, twig-like shape and savory flavor imparted by yeast extract, often likened to Marmite.[1][2] In 2022, the recipe was reformulated to reduce salt content by 60% in compliance with high fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) regulations.[3] Made primarily from wholewheat flour (80%), they include vegetable oils (sunflower and palm), yeast extract (from barley), salt, carrot extract for coloring, potassium chloride, sugar, and white pepper extract, resulting in a high-fiber product free of artificial colors or flavors.[1][4] Unlike fried crisps, Twiglets are baked, offering a crunchy texture suitable for sharing or pairing with cheese, and they have become a staple in British snacking culture, particularly during festive seasons.[5] The snack was invented in 1929 by French biscuit maker J. Rondalin, a technical manager at the Peek Freans factory in Bermondsey, London, who experimented by adding brewer's yeast to wholemeal dough, creating the unique yeasty taste and irregular form reminiscent of twigs.[2][6] Initially launched around 1932 under the Peek Freans brand, production later shifted, and today Twiglets are manufactured by Jacob's, a subsidiary of Pladis Global (formerly United Biscuits), at their facility in Aintree, Liverpool.[6][7] Over the decades, they have maintained popularity as a suitable for vegetarians, though may contain traces of milk and eggs due to manufacturing in facilities that handle these allergens, pub snack and party nibble, with annual sales reflecting their enduring appeal in the UK market.[8][9]Product Overview
Description and Appearance
Twiglets are distinctive wheat-based snacks characterized by their knobbly, irregular shape that mimics the appearance of small natural twigs. This unique form is achieved through a twisted and textured extrusion process, resulting in short, stick-like pieces typically measuring about 3-5 cm in length. The visual profile features a speckled brown-over-pale coloration, with the darker specks arising from the yeast extract coating applied post-baking.[2] The texture of Twiglets is crunchy and brittle, derived from their whole wheat composition and oven-baked preparation method, which avoids frying to produce a light yet satisfying snap upon biting. This baked structure contributes to a dry, non-greasy mouthfeel, distinguishing them from oilier snack alternatives.[10] In terms of sensory profile, Twiglets deliver a bold savory and umami flavor dominated by yeast extract seasoning, which imparts a yeasty, tangy intensity often likened to Marmite or Vegemite. This taste is polarizing, appealing strongly to fans of robust, fermented notes while deterring those unaccustomed to its potency. The yeast extract serves as the primary flavor component, enhancing the overall zingy character without overpowering the subtle wheat undertones.[9] Twiglets are commonly available in standard serving sizes including 24g multipack portions, 45g single bags, 105g sharing bags, 150g larger bags, and 200g cylindrical containers for bulk snacking.[11][12][13][14]Ingredients and Nutrition
Twiglets are composed primarily of wholewheat flour (80%), vegetable oils (sunflower, palm), a flavouring blend containing yeast extract (from barley), salt, and vegetable extract (carrot), along with additional salt, potassium chloride, and white pepper extract. The product may contain traces of sesame. As allergens, Twiglets contain gluten from wheat and barley; they are suitable for vegetarians and contain no artificial colors or flavors. Twiglets are produced by oven-baking rather than frying, which highlights their high wholegrain content at 80%. The yeast extract in the flavouring provides a distinctive savory, Marmite-like umami taste. Nutritionally, a typical 25g serving of Twiglets delivers the following profile:| Nutrient | Per 25g Serving | % Reference Intake* |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 105 kcal | 5% |
| Total Fat | 3.3g | 5% |
| of which saturates | 0.5g | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| of which sugars | 0.1g | <1% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8g | - |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Salt | 0.3g | 5% |