Some biscuits are like a member of the family. They seem to have been around for as long as you can remember, you take them with you on trips and they're always there for you. McVitie's Chocolate Hobnobs are one such example. A stalwart of a biscuit which manages to employ rolled oats without tasting like those insidious Kellogg's Nutrigrain yokes. Add the McVitie's chocolate to the mix and you have a formidable opponent for any challenger.

Any biscuit enthusiast who frequents Tesco will undoubtedly be aware of the glut of double-pack Chocolate Hobnobs that flooded the market about 6 months ago. In terms of value for money you cannot get much better than the double-pack. Any enthusiast will also be aware that the relatively new cardboard tube packets of Hobnonbs (pictured) are a regrettable development in the McVitie's stable. Not only do you get fewer biscuits than the regular plastic pack, but the excess packaging is completely unnecessary given that Hobnobs will hold their freshness quite well (if stored correctly). In essence, good value in Hobnobs is attainable if you've got your head screwed on.

Chocolate Hobnobs are also one of the most consistent biscuits on the market. Using rolled oats in a recipe can leave the biscuit susceptible to crumbling or over-baking. McVitie's seem to have this recipe down to an art form. The chocolate is also genorously poured on top and is always of the best quality. The Hobnob's rolled oat foundation also allows for a unique dunking experience. Minute pockets of air within the biscuit allow it to take on more liquid than, say, a shortcake biscuit. The McVitie's chocolate also holds its character well and actually helps to maintain the biscuit's shape during dunking. Consequently, once safely in your mouth you can compress the biscuit to allow the sweet liquid flow from its innards and the chocolate to engulf your mouth in a taste explosion. On the down side, Hobnobs are a large biscuit which precludes them from a dunk unless you have a decent size cup or mug. But, think about it, would you be bothered eating a Chocolate Hobnob if it was the size of a Jaffa Cake?

Value for Money: 5 (Freshpack), 9.8 (Double-pack)

Dunkability: 9.3

Consistency: 8.9

If it were a car it would be a: Honda Accord

Overall Verdict: 9.5
Almost flawless, in the same way as a lecturer of mine once said: "Almost infinite".


This review is, quite probably, the last in the biscuit tin series. I'm off on my holliers now for two weeks and when I get back i'll be flipping the switch to study mode. Keep it crunchy.

tags:The Biscuit Tin 8

Published by El Commandant P.