TWIX

Introduction

TWIX is a beloved candy brand that was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1967 by Mars, Inc. Initially envisioning a new and exciting treat for consumers, the founders aimed to create a candy bar that combined various textures and flavors. The result was TWIX, a unique mixture of crunchy biscuit, smooth caramel, and rich chocolate. This dynamic combination quickly gained popularity, leading to its expansion into markets around the world.

The philosophy behind TWIX centers on the idea of enjoyment and sharing. The brand's iconic "left or right?" slogan encourages consumers to enjoy the moment and have a bit of fun, effectively engaging them in a light-hearted debate. This playful approach reflects the brand’s personality, which is all about offering a delightful treat that brings people together. TWIX also emphasizes quality ingredients and thoughtful crafting, further aligning with a commitment to providing an enjoyable snacking experience.

What makes TWIX special is its distinct layering of flavors and textures—the crunchy biscuit base, creamy caramel, and smooth chocolate create a harmonious balance that sets it apart from other candy bars. Each bite is designed to provide a satisfying combination of crispness, chewiness, and melt-in-your-mouth indulgence. TWIX has also expanded its offerings by introducing different varieties and limited-time flavors, which keeps the brand fresh and exciting for both new and loyal customers.

Signature Products

TWIX offers a range of products that showcase its signature flavor profile and create memorable experiences for consumers.

• TWIX Original : A crunchy biscuit topped with creamy caramel and coated in milk chocolate, the classic candy bar that started it all.
• TWIX Peanut Butter : A delicious twist that features a layer of rich peanut butter combined with caramel and encased in milk chocolate.
• TWIX Caramel Brownie : This indulgent version features a brownie base instead of biscuit, layered with caramel and coated in chocolate for a decadent treat.
• TWIX Cookies & Cream : A fun variation that wraps a cookies and cream filling with the traditional caramel and chocolate coating.

These products help define the TWIX brand by offering diverse flavor experiences while maintaining the beloved texture combinations that have made it a favorite among candy lovers.

Materials and Ingredients Used by TWIX

• Butter : Butter is a dairy product made by churning cream. In TWIX, it contributes to the rich, creamy texture of the caramel layer, enhancing the overall mouthfeel and flavor profile of the candy bar.
• Cocoa : Cocoa is derived from cocoa beans and is a key ingredient in producing chocolate. In TWIX, it forms the chocolate coating that envelops the caramel and cookie layers, providing a rich, chocolaty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Corn : Corn can refer to various products derived from maize, including corn syrup. In TWIX, it may be used as a sweetener or texture modifier, enhancing the sweetness and ensuring a smooth consistency in the caramel.
• Iron : Iron is a mineral that is often included as a dietary supplement in various food products. While not a major ingredient, it may be present for nutritional fortification, contributing to the overall dietary value of the TWIX bar.
• Milk : Milk is a dairy ingredient that adds creaminess and flavor. In TWIX, it plays a key role in both the caramel and chocolate coating, enhancing the taste and providing a softer texture.
• Palm Oil : Palm oil is a vegetable oil derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree. In TWIX, it is used for its ability to improve the texture and shelf life of the product, providing a smooth mouthfeel without altering the flavor significantly.
• Peanuts : Peanuts are legumes that add flavor and texture. In some variations of TWIX, crushed peanuts might be included to provide a crunchy element, complementing the softness of the caramel and chocolate.
• Salt : Salt is a mineral that enhances flavor. In TWIX, it is used in small quantities to balance sweetness, intensifying the overall taste and making the chocolate and caramel flavors stand out.
• Sugar : Sugar is a sweetening agent crucial for the overall flavor of TWIX. It is used in the caramel and chocolate layers to create sweetness and facilitate the desired taste experience.
• Wheat Flour : Wheat flour is a staple baking ingredient that provides structure. In TWIX, it is used to create the cookie layer, which adds a crispy texture and serves as a base for the caramel and chocolate.
• Whey : Whey is a byproduct of cheese production and is high in protein. In TWIX, it may be included to enhance the nutritional profile and contribute to the texture of the caramel or chocolate, adding a layer of creaminess.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From TWIX

These identified issues are critical to the supply chain of TWIX and need to be taken into consideration to enhance sustainability efforts.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

From ingredients like butter and milk, substantial greenhouse gases such as methane are emitted, which significantly contribute to global warming. Dairy farming operations are known to release not only methane from enteric fermentation (a digestive process in cows) but also nitrous oxide from manure management. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global dairy sector accounts for 4% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, emphasizing the environmental footprint of these ingredients.

Deforestation:

Cocoa and palm oil production are notorious for leading to deforestation, particularly in tropical regions. In West Africa, where a significant portion of the world’s cocoa is produced, forest areas are cleared to make space for plantations, threatening biodiversity and increasing carbon emissions. Similarly, palm oil production in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia leads to extensive rainforest destruction. This land-use change accounts for around 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, further impacting climate change.

Biodiversity Loss:

The production of cocoa and palm oil not only drives deforestation but directly results in the loss of biodiversity. As forests are cleared for plantation farming, the natural habitats of countless species are destroyed, putting many of them at risk of extinction. The plight of orangutans in Indonesia, whose habitats are significantly threatened by palm oil plantations, is a poignant example of how biodiversity is impacted.

Pesticide Use:

Corn and peanuts can involve heavy pesticide application, which impacts soil health, contaminates water sources, and affects non-target plant and animal species. Pesticides like Atrazine used in corn production are known to leach into groundwater, affecting aquatic life and potentially entering drinking water supplies, posing risks to human health.

Water Usage:

Substantial water usage is involved in the production of ingredients like milk, corn, and sugar. Dairy farming requires large volumes of water for cattle feed production, hydration, and processing activities. Similarly, irrigation for corn and sugarcane cultivation can contribute to water scarcity, especially in arid regions. Excessive exploitation of water resources undermines local water security and can lead to ecological imbalance.

Human Rights Violations:

The cultivation of palm oil and cocoa is linked to various human rights concerns, including child labor and unfair labor practices. Reports have highlighted instances in West Africa where children are involved in hazardous tasks on cocoa farms. Similarly, workers on palm oil plantations often face exploitative conditions, including long hours and insufficient pay, raising serious ethical and social concerns.

Soil Degradation:

Continuous cultivation of crops like corn and wheat can lead to soil degradation unless sustainable farming practices are employed. Over-farming depletes soil nutrients, leading to reduced fertility and increased reliance on chemical fertilizers that further degrade soil health. Practices such as monoculture exacerbate soil erosion and result in long-term sustainability challenges for agriculture.

Energy Consumption and Pollution:

The extraction and processing of iron for industrial purposes involve substantial energy consumption, primarily from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The process can also result in pollution owing to the discharge of industrial waste products into the environment, impacting air and water quality around extraction sites.

By understanding these issues, the brand can focus on sourcing more sustainable ingredients, implementing better agricultural practices, and prioritizing ethical labor conditions to reduce environmental and social impacts throughout its supply chain.