Buzz
by James Hunt
Chances are, if you’ve indulged in a chocolate bar, it’s likely one of the iconic brands listed here. The leading chocolate producers rank among the longest-standing companies, thanks to the timeless appeal of sugary delights.
However, the long history and widespread recognition of these treats mean most of us rarely pause to question how they were named. We simply follow tradition, calling a Kit Kat by its name because generations before us did the same. Yet, there was a moment when these brands needed naming. What inspired those decisions?
1. KIT KAT
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Originally launched in 1935 as Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp, the Kit Kat adopted its current name in 1937, rebranded as the Kit Kat Chocolate Crisp. While the exact origin of its name remains uncertain, it is commonly thought to be inspired by the renowned
The nightclub derived its name from the Kit-Cat Club, an 18th-century political group named after Christopher Catling, also known as Kit Cat, who owned the tavern where the club convened. This connection lends the Kit Kat a rich and fascinating historical background.
2. TOBLERONE
Debuting in 1908, the Toblerone features a blend of milk chocolate, nougat, almonds, and honey, crafted to mimic the shape of the Matterhorn mountain. Alternatively, some believe it was inspired by a pyramid of dancers from a performance at the Folies Bergères cabaret.
The name, seemingly obscure, gains clarity when you learn it was created by Swiss chocolatier Theodor Tobler. It’s a fusion of Tobler’s last name and torrone, an Italian nougat dessert made with honey, sugar, and nuts, which served as the inspiration for the bar.
3. MILKY WAY
Launched in 1923, the Milky Way drew inspiration from a famous malted milkshake of the time. The goal was to recreate the taste and sensation of enjoying the milkshake in the form of the first-ever filled chocolate bar.
4. SNICKERS
Launched in 1930, the Snickers bar was Mars's next creation after the Milky Way. Franklin Mars named the treat after his wife’s beloved racehorse; sadly, the horse passed away just two months before the product hit the shelves.
5. TWIX
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While most chocolate bars offer hints about their names, Twix remains an enigma, much like its chocolate-covered bars.
First introduced in the UK in 1967, early advertising campaigns in both Britain and the U.S. highlighted the word "mix." This suggests that Twix could be a portmanteau of "twin" and "mix" or "twin" and "stix," referencing its dual bars and blend of ingredients.
