Turkey Twizzlers, the infamous school dinner product that was discontinued after celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's campaign against them, are making a return. Bernard Matthews, the manufacturer, has relaunched the product with a healthier recipe, containing double the amount of turkey meat compared to the original.
The original Turkey Twizzlers were removed from school menus and eventually discontinued after Oliver highlighted their poor nutritional content in his 2005 television series 'Jamie's Dinners'. The new version, which goes on sale from Thursday, contains 70% turkey meat, compared to 34% in the original, and has 87 kcal per serving, down from 137 kcal.
David Leigh, marketing director at Bernard Matthews, said the company had been discussing the return of the Twizzler for some time. He expressed hope that the product could eventually be served in schools, but for now the focus is on mass market retail. Leigh emphasised that the new Twizzlers are significantly healthier, with less saturated fat than two average pork sausages.
The remaining 30% of the product is described as a blend of herbs and spices. Leigh said the company worked with a nutritionist to ensure the Twizzler is a balanced product that can be part of a balanced meal. The new Twizzlers are available in two flavours: Original Tangy Tomato and Chilli Cheese.
