Shock for biscuit lovers! Two of Britain’s favourite snacks, Penguin and Club biscuits, have lost their official “chocolate biscuit” status. McVitie’s owner Pladis has swapped real chocolate for a “chocolate flavour coating” to combat soaring cocoa prices.
More Oils, Less Cocoa: What’s Inside Now?
The revamped biscuits contain more palm oil and shea oil than actual cocoa. Because of this, they no longer meet the legal definition of chocolate. But don’t panic just yet — Pladis insists the taste remains unchanged.
“We are using a chocolate flavour coating with cocoa mass, rather than a chocolate coating. Sensory testing with consumers shows the new coatings deliver the same great taste as the originals,” a Pladis spokesperson said.
Goodbye Classic Slogan, Hello New Club Motto
Along with the recipe switch, the iconic Club biscuit slogan has been revamped. The original, “If you like a lot of chocolate on your biscuit, join our Club,” is out. It’s been replaced with: “If you like a lot of biscuit in your break, join our Club.”
Why the Change? Blame Rising Cocoa Prices
The price of cocoa has soared in recent years, thanks to poor harvests in West Africa, which supplies about 70% of the world’s cocoa. By tweaking recipes, Pladis aims to curb rising costs without hitting consumers’ wallets too hard.
