McVitie’s make popular biscuits such as HobNobs (Image: John Keeble/Getty Images)
They’re a favourite in many UK households – but some Hobnobs fans ae only just learning what the brand name actually means.
Hobnobs were first introduced by McVitie’s in the United Kingdom in 1985. Although McVitie’s had already achieved success with its Digestive biscuits (first created in 1892), Hobnobs were positioned as a slightly different, more rugged, and oatier biscuit.
Hobnobs’ oat-based set them apart, giving them a distinctive flavour and texture compared to traditional wheat-based biscuits. They were designed as a biscuit perfect for dunking into tea, which is practically a national pastime in the UK.
Following the original Hobnob’s success, McVitie’s launched a chocolate-coated version in 1987, featuring a layer of either milk or dark chocolate on one side of the biscuit. This became a fan favourite and remains one of the most popular Hobnob variations to this day.
Over the years, more variants have followed, including Hobnob Flapjacks (a bar-like version of the biscuit) and special limited-edition flavours – including gingerbread, sticky toffee and coconut macaroon.
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Despite their widespread appeal, the origin of the Hobnobs brand name has eluded many, with some assuming it was simply a catchy moniker for the biscuits. Yet, the name Hobnobs is steeped in significance, reflecting McVitie’s ambition to market their biscuits to families. The term “to hobnob” signifies socialising with someone influential or famous, which aligns with the company’s vision.
Channel 4’s Secret World of Biscuits also suggests that the iconic name derives from these two words. Hobnobs enthusiasts have taken to the internet to express their fondness for the treat.
A user exclaimed: “I am an American in the UK, and I have just devoured this whole thing of Hobnobs for the first time. Are these brought to us by the same people who make heroin or cocaine? Because they are addictive.”
Another chimed in, recommending: “You need a Sports Direct mug. Only then can you truly enjoy an entire packet of chocolate Hobnobs.” Meanwhile, a third commenter hailed the Hobnob as “Hobnob is the superior dunker.”
And yet another added fuel to the biscuit debate, stating: “Chocolate Hobnob is better than a Chocolate Digestive. I’m sorry because both are good.”