~ ~ A sweetie that is actually older than the ‘mad cabbie’!!!
That’s ‘Mars Bars’, that have been around since they were first introduced to the market way back in 1932, even before the mad cabbie was even a twinkle in his daddy’s eye.
They’ve got a new advertising slogan these days that reads, “The pleasure you can’t measure”, along with a lighter centre that makes them a little easier to chew, especially for those of us who are slightly dentally challenged. (I have false teeth!)
But they are still distinctively a Mars Bar, although I’m still undecided as to whether or not I prefer the older, chewer bars or the new lighter, easier to chew, ones.
Ah. OK. They’re both delicious, to be honest. And at this moment in time here in Ireland, you can still actually purchase both the old and new versions, depending on where you buy them, but I suppose the old type will eventually run out.
They’ve stuck with the same old distinctive wrappers though, in black, red and gold that has been used ever since I can remember eating them. (And I don’t ever remember NOT eating them!)

~ ~ I still prefer the old advertising slogan though, that read, “A Mars a day helps you work, rest, and play”. Because never was a truer message conveyed in an advert.
Mars Bars are an absolute essential in my golf bag every time I hit a golf course these days, (along with an energy drink) as they provide me with a quick and almost instantaneous burst of extra energy anytime I feel the old body starting to give up on me during the round. And that happens more regularly these days than when I was a bit younger, and a bit earlier in the round as well. (more’s the pity!)
The extra dart of energy that they give you is because they are absolutely bursting in sugar content, with a lovely tasty chocolate exterior, caramel, and a delicious nougat centre. And even though the new
‘lighter’ nougat in the centre isn’t so chewy as the old version, it still tastes equally as good.
There are a few less calories in the new bar as well, for all you folks who worry about piling on the extra pounds, but at 281 calories per 100 grams, it’s still not a chocolate bar for the weight conscious.

~ ~ My favourite size of Mars Bar is the relatively new pack of “Minis”.
Instead of a standard size bar, (65 grams) or one of these ‘king sized’ versions, these packs contain ten little miniature bars of Mars, which are absolutely ideal for popping in the old cakehole at various stages during a golf round. I find the king sized bars simply too big to eat all at one go, and even the standard size bar tends to go all soft and VERY sticky once the wrapper is opened or in hot weather. (not that we’re getting too much hot weather here in Ireland this summer!) But the little miniature bars are absolutely an ideal size, and can be popped whole into your mouth. (no sticky mess to contend with!)
And they are also simply perfect if my wee lass, who’s a diabetic, happens to have a low blood sugar count. One of the miniature bars is almost exactly one “exchange”, (the way we work out what food she can safely eat) and immediately counteracts the effects of a low sugar count. (dizziness and loss of strength in her limbs, which can, in drastic circumstances, actually lead to a coma!)
The small miniature pack represents good value as well. At only €2.69 for ten 30 gram bars, they work out at about the 27 cent mark each, when compared to the 70 cent price tag for the standard 65 gram bar. (Work it out; that’s 90 grams for about 81 cents with the miniatures, compared to only 65 grams for 70 cents with the standard size. I’m not a Scotsman for nothing, you know!)

~ ~ A firm favourite of the ‘mad cabbies’, and I’d highly recommend all of you to
try them out, but would find it hard to believe that there’s actually anyone out there who hasn’t done so already!

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Copyright KenJ September, 2002

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(A Euro varies in value between 60p to 65p Sterling )

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