Tim Tam is a beloved chocolate biscuit that has been enjoyed by Australians since its introduction in 1964. The biscuit consists of two malted biscuits with a chocolate cream filling, all coated in a thin layer of textured chocolate. Over the years, Tim Tam has become an iconic Australian snack and has even gained popularity internationally.
The history of Tim Tam is an interesting one. The biscuit was created by Ian Norris, a food technologist at Arnott’s, after being inspired by the British chocolate bar called Penguin. In fact, Tim Tam was originally based on the Penguin biscuit, but with a twist. The chocolate cream filling in Tim Tam was made harder than the filling in Penguin, allowing for a more satisfying bite. The name “Tim Tam” was inspired by a horse that won the Kentucky Derby in 1958, and was chosen by Ross Arnott, who attended the race and liked the name. Since its launch, Tim Tam has become Arnott’s best-selling product, with millions of packs sold each year.
Origins of Tim Tam
Arnott’s Biscuits History
Arnott’s Biscuits is an Australian company that was founded in 1865 by William Arnott. The company started as a small bakery in Newcastle, New South Wales, and has since grown to become one of the largest and most well-known biscuit manufacturers in Australia. Arnott’s has a long history of producing high-quality biscuits, and their products are enjoyed by people all over the world.
Creation of Tim Tam
Tim Tam is a chocolate biscuit that was first introduced by Arnott’s Biscuits in 1964. The biscuit consists of two malted biscuits that are separated by a light hard chocolate cream filling and coated in a thin layer of textured chocolate. The biscuit was created by Ian Norris, who was the head of Arnott’s food technology division.
In 1958, Norris traveled the world to expand his confectionary horizons, and, soon enough, he discovered an English cookie called a Penguin, which was a sandwich of chocolate cookies and sweet cream coated in milk chocolate. He was inspired by the cookie and decided to create his own version. The result was Tim Tam, which quickly became one of the most popular biscuits in Australia.
Since its creation, Tim Tam has become an iconic Australian snack and is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The biscuit has also inspired many different variations, including dark chocolate, white chocolate, and caramel flavors. Today, Tim Tam remains one of Arnott’s most popular products and is a testament to the company’s commitment to creating high-quality biscuits that people love.
Evolution of the Recipe
Original Flavor Development
The original Tim Tam recipe was developed by Ian Norris, a biscuit maker, who was inspired by the Penguin biscuit he tasted while on a trip to Britain in 1958. Norris set out to create a better version of the Penguin biscuit and in 1964, the Tim Tam was born. The original recipe consisted of two layers of chocolate malted biscuit, sandwiched around a creamy chocolate filling, and coated in a thin layer of chocolate.
Over time, the recipe has remained largely unchanged, with the exception of a few minor tweaks. In the 1970s, the amount of filling was reduced slightly to make the biscuit more crunchy, and in the 1980s, the chocolate coating was made thicker to give the biscuit a richer, more indulgent taste.
Introduction of New Flavors
In recent years, Arnott’s has introduced a range of new Tim Tam flavors to cater to changing consumer tastes. Some of the most popular flavors include dark chocolate, caramel, white chocolate, and double coat.
The introduction of new flavors has been a key part of the brand’s success, as it has helped to keep the product fresh and relevant in a highly competitive market. Today, Tim Tams are sold in over 40 countries around the world and are considered one of Australia’s most iconic snacks.
Global Expansion
Entry into Foreign Markets
As Tim Tam gained popularity in Australia, Arnott’s began to explore international markets. In 1975, the biscuits were introduced to the United States, where they were sold as “Arnott’s Chocolate Royals.” However, they did not gain much traction in the American market and were eventually discontinued.
It wasn’t until the 1990s that Tim Tam began to see success overseas. In 1993, Arnott’s partnered with the British multinational company United Biscuits to distribute Tim Tam in the United Kingdom. The biscuits were an instant hit and quickly became one of the top-selling chocolate biscuits in the country.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Arnott’s continued to expand Tim Tam’s reach through partnerships and collaborations with other companies. In 2002, the company teamed up with the coffee chain Starbucks to create the “Tim Tam Slam,” a popular method of consuming the biscuits. The collaboration helped to increase Tim Tam’s popularity in the United States and other countries where Starbucks was present.
In recent years, Arnott’s has also collaborated with other food and beverage companies to create new Tim Tam flavors. In 2017, the company partnered with the Australian craft brewery Two Birds Brewing to create a limited edition “Tim Tam Slam” beer. The following year, Arnott’s teamed up with the Australian winery Taylors Wines to create a range of wine-infused Tim Tam flavors.
Overall, Tim Tam’s global expansion has been a testament to the biscuit’s popularity and versatility. From partnerships with coffee chains to collaborations with breweries and wineries, Tim Tam has proven to be a beloved treat around the world.
Cultural Impact
Tim Tam’s cultural impact has been significant in Australia and beyond. Its popularity has led to numerous advertising campaigns and the creation of a unique tradition known as the Tim Tam Slam.
Advertising Campaigns
Arnott’s, the makers of Tim Tam, have released several memorable advertising campaigns over the years. One of the most famous campaigns featured the slogan “A Tim Tam a day keeps the dentist away,” which emphasized the biscuit’s irresistible taste.
Another campaign featured a series of humorous commercials in which people performed various stunts to get their hands on a pack of Tim Tam. These campaigns helped to cement Tim Tam’s status as an iconic Australian snack.
Tim Tam Slam Tradition
The Tim Tam Slam is a unique tradition that involves biting off the opposite corners of a Tim Tam and using it as a straw to drink a hot beverage such as coffee or hot chocolate. The heat from the drink melts the chocolate filling inside the biscuit, creating a delicious and messy treat.
The Tim Tam Slam has become a popular activity at social gatherings and is often used as a way to break the ice or bond with new acquaintances. It has also gained a cult following online, with various videos and tutorials demonstrating the proper technique for performing the slam.
Overall, Tim Tam’s cultural impact has been significant and enduring. Its delicious taste and unique traditions have made it a beloved snack in Australia and beyond.
Manufacturing Process
Ingredients Sourcing
The manufacturing process of Tim Tam candy starts with the sourcing of high-quality ingredients. The company sources its cocoa from Ghana and Papua New Guinea, and its milk from Australian dairy farms. The flour and sugar used in the production process are also sourced from local suppliers.
Production Techniques
Once the ingredients are sourced, the production process begins. The first step involves mixing the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder to form a dough. The dough is then flattened and cut into individual biscuit shapes. The biscuits are then baked in an oven until they are crisp.
After baking, the biscuits are sandwiched with a cream filling made from milk and sugar. The biscuits are then coated in a layer of chocolate and allowed to cool. The chocolate coating is made from a blend of cocoa powder, sugar, and vegetable oil.
The final step in the manufacturing process is packaging. The biscuits are packaged in individual packets to ensure freshness and convenience for consumers. The packets are then shipped to retailers around the world.
Overall, the manufacturing process of Tim Tam candy is a carefully controlled process that ensures the highest quality product for consumers. The company’s commitment to sourcing high-quality ingredients and using advanced production techniques has made Tim Tam candy a beloved treat around the world.
Packaging and Branding
Design Changes
Over the years, the packaging and branding of Tim Tams have undergone several changes. The original packaging was a simple red and gold design. However, as the brand grew in popularity, the packaging was updated to include vibrant colors and bold fonts. In recent years, the packaging has become more environmentally friendly, with Arnott’s using recyclable materials for their packaging.
Environmental Considerations
Arnott’s has made a conscious effort to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging. They have introduced a range of packaging options that are more environmentally friendly, including recyclable materials and smaller packaging sizes. Additionally, they have partnered with organizations to promote responsible disposal of their packaging. Arnott’s has also made changes to their manufacturing process to reduce waste and energy consumption. These changes have helped to reduce the environmental impact of Tim Tam’s packaging and production.
Consumer Reception
Market Performance
Since its launch in 1964, Tim Tam has become an iconic Australian snack, with a significant market share in the biscuit industry. According to a report by The Sydney Morning Herald, in 2016, more than 45 million packets of Tim Tam were sold in Australia alone, making it the country’s most popular chocolate biscuit. The brand’s popularity has also extended beyond Australia’s borders, with Tim Tam being sold in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Product Variations Feedback
Over the years, Arnott’s has introduced several variations of Tim Tam, including dark chocolate, white chocolate, and caramel flavors, among others. These variations have received mixed reactions from consumers. While some have welcomed the new flavors, others have expressed disappointment, claiming that the original flavor is the best.
According to a survey conducted by Roy Morgan Research, the original flavor remains the most popular, with 42% of respondents choosing it as their favorite. However, the survey also revealed that the dark chocolate and double-coated flavors were gaining popularity, with 12% and 11% of respondents, respectively, choosing them as their favorite.
In conclusion, Tim Tam has enjoyed immense success in the Australian market and beyond, with the original flavor remaining the most popular among consumers. While the brand has introduced several variations over the years, the original flavor still holds a special place in the hearts of many Tim Tam fans.
Challenges and Controversies
Health Concerns
Tim Tam has faced health concerns over the years. In 2004, Arnott’s caused a controversy when they released limited edition Tim Tam Tia Maria and Kahlua Mint Slice varieties, flavored with the popular alcoholic liqueurs. The Australian Drug Foundation suggested selling the biscuits in supermarkets was “potentially dangerous” by “normalizing” the taste of alcohol for children. However, Arnott’s defended their product, stating that they were marketed towards adults and not children.
Competitive Landscape
There has been an ongoing controversy between Aussies and Brits about the relative merits of Tim Tams and Penguins. One British reviewer made the following comparison: Smaller than the Penguin proportionally lighter as well the Tim Tam feels unfamiliar. Despite the competition, Tim Tams are so popular in Oz that one out of every two households has bought a pack, according to the brand. Tim Tams gained so much ground that at the end of the century, Arnott’s sold 30 million packs a year.