Marks and Spencer has re-released four popular chocolate bars from the 1980s, and shoppers can once again buy the nostalgic packaging and flavours of Jet, Sparks, Now! and Coconut Grove. These are modelled after other well-known chocolate bars, prompting a comparison test against branded alternatives.
Price and Preparation
The 50g M&S bars are priced at £1 each, making them marginally pricier than branded equivalents, which were purchased from a neighbourhood corner shop for between 75p and 89p apiece. The M&S bars were mistakenly left outside a post box for multiple hours during a heatwave, but after several hours in the refrigerator, they were ready for tasting.
Coconut Grove vs Bounty
The Coconut Grove bar impressed despite a general dislike of coconut-flavoured things. It boasted a more substantial coconut layer, tasted fresher, and had whiter, shredded coconut compared to Bounty's crumbly texture. The Fairtrade chocolate coating was also thicker. The verdict: the Coconut Grove bar would be chosen over Bounty every time, though ideally a different chocolate bar altogether would be preferred.
Jet vs Snickers
The Jet bar appeared more compressed than a Snickers, though this might have resulted from melting in the sunshine. It was stickier, with caramel holding the bar intact. Upon tasting, the flavours were more harmoniously balanced and not excessively sweet. A devoted Snickers fan conceded that M&S had absolutely nailed it with the Jet bar.
Sparks vs Mars
The Sparks bar is marginally thinner yet wider than a classic Mars bar. While the Mars bar seemed to offer a more generous filling-to-chocolate ratio, the Sparks bar tasted remarkably similar but was more appealing. The verdict: gladly pick up another Sparks bar on the next M&S visit.
Now! vs Twix
The Now! bar had softened and merged into a single solid bar, but the Twix had also melted, so they still looked alike. While the Twix had more caramel and a heftier chocolate coating, the Now! bar featured a chunkier biscuit centre with a satisfying crunch. The chocolate and caramel flavours were more pleasing overall, and it might have earned its place as an all-time favourite chocolate bar, knocking Twix off the top spot.
