How do Jacob's Get the Figs into Fig Rolls? (Jacob's Fig Rolls)

Member Name: Foxy-Lady

Product:	Jacob's Fig Rolls
Date:	15/01/08 (271 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Scrummy

Disadvantages: More-ish!

I think that it is quite fair to say that fig rolls are an acquired taste...and boy, have I acquired that taste!

I'm holding my mother-in-law entirely responsible. After my son spent the day with her she announced, "Jack loves fig rolls doesn't he?" My response being, "Does he? I've never bought them before so I wouldn't know"

He'd apparently liked them so much that he kept asking for more! So the next time I was doing the shopping I did a quick search for some, selected the Jacob's variety at 95p for a 200g packet and put them in my virtual shopping basket.

When the groceries arrived a few days later Jack immediately spotted the packet of fig rolls and he went wild with excitement (I guess grandma buys Jacob's too!) so I opened the distinctive bright red wrapper that he seemed to recognise so well.

Now I absolutely love sweet snacks but I'd never tried these before. A gorgeous aroma instantly wafted out of the packet. Such a subtle sweet smell, not too strong but so unbelievably tempting and appetising! Slightly fruity with perhaps a hint of cereal goodness. I thought it would be positively rude not to sample one...just to test them out before passing one to Jack, of course.

I took a tentative bite of the curious looking baked biscuit and was pleased to discover contrasting textures and tastes. A delightful crunchiness to the golden outer pastry breaks to reveal an almost 'cakey' softness which melts in the mouth to release a buttery flavour. This relatively thick layer encases a filling of delicious figs - rich, fruity and moist with just the right amount of sticky chewiness. The two compliment each other perfectly in my opinion.

At this point I was left questioning whether fig rolls are in fact 'biscuits' or not. They don't seem like it to me but they are found on the biscuit aisle in the supermarket and the pack actually calls them biscuits. So, who am I to argue?

On taking a look at the nutritional information (found on the back of the pack, as usual) I was surprised to find out that the actual fig content only counts for 23% of the total biscuit. As simply a figure this percentage does sound quite low and even initially somewhat disappointing but as far as the fig roll is concerned, it feels right and not at all measly in its proportion. To be honest, if there was any more figgy filling I think the fruity richness would be too overpowering, resulting in a sickly sweet offering. The overall texture wouldn't be as nice either as it would become 'claggy' instead of suitably sticky.

With my taste test completed I handed one to Jack who was virtually drooling by now. And I can understand why! I even contemplated sitting and finishing the pack of 12 fig rolls with him but decided against it and put the pack away...after trying just one or two more.

Thanks to my mother-in-law I have discovered that fig rolls make a tasty alternative snack. With 63 calories per biscuit this seems quite high considering the size of them but containing only 0.7g of fat, they are certainly healthier than some of the other lovely treats that are available. In fact, the fruit content creates a good source of fibre so they are good for your bowels too.

I would much rather Jack eat a fig roll instead of a choccie bar or a packet of crisps. I must admit, he prefers fruit if anything but fig rolls come next on his list of favourites. I always carry a few around in a little air tight tub if we are out and about so they are always fresh at hand if he wants a nibble.

As I mentioned earlier, I don't think everyone will be a fan of fig rolls. Indeed, some people won't even be able to give them a try due to allergies as they are produced in a factory that handles nuts, milk, egg and soya, and the fig rolls also contain gluten. On a brighter note they are suitable for vegetarians.

So, how do Jacob's get the figs into fig rolls? I couldn't give a fig really. I do know that they are absolutely figgin' lovely though!

Summary: Absolutely figgin' lovely!