Since the Bertie Beetle first graced the shelves of Australian supermarkets in the 1960s, it has become an iconic part of Australian culture.
But how did this beloved treat come to be? What makes it so special? In this article, we will uncover the truth behind the Bertie Beetle by looking into the origin story of the Bertie Beetle, a brief history of Cadbury Australia, the ingredients of a Bertie Beetle, the manufacturing process, and the impact of Bertie Beetles on Australian culture.
So settle in and join us as we take a deep dive into the world of the Bertie Beetle!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Bertie Beetles are made at the Nestl factory in Smithtown, Australia.
The factory has been producing the chocolate-covered beetles since 1963.
Each Bertie Beetle is made of a hazelnut centre covered in either a milk or dark chocolate shell.
The factory is also responsible for producing other popular Nestl products such as Smarties, Kit Kats, and Aero bars.
The Origin Story of the Bertie Beetle
The origin story of the Bertie Beetle is a fascinating one.
The popular Australian chocolate treat was first introduced in 1967 by Cadbury Australia, and has since become an iconic Australian confectionery snack.
The classic Australian treat is made up of crunchy honeycomb and coated in milk chocolate, making it a delight for chocolate lovers of all ages.
The original Bertie Beetle was created by a Cadbury employee named Lesley Howorth.
She developed the recipe for the treat using a combination of honeycomb and chocolate, and it quickly became a hit with the Australian public.
The chocolate-covered honeycomb was given its iconic name, “Bertie Beetle,” after Lesley’s eldest son, Robert.
Since its introduction, the Bertie Beetle has become a staple in Australian culture.
The treat is often featured in movies, television shows, and other forms of media, and is a frequent sight at school and office canteens.
It has also become a popular souvenir item to take home from Australia, with many people choosing to take home a box of Bertie Beetles for friends and family.
Today, the Bertie Beetle is still being manufactured in Claremont, Tasmania, at Cadbury Australia’s factory.
The company continues to use Lesley Howorth’s original recipe, ensuring that each Bertie Beetle is just as delicious as the last.
So, when you next bite into a Bertie Beetle, you can be sure that you are enjoying a classic Australian treat that has been delighting Aussies for over 50 years.
A Brief History of Cadbury Australia
Cadbury Australia has a long and storied history, dating back to the late 1800s when John Cadbury first opened his store in Birmingham, England.
The company quickly grew into one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world, and eventually opened a factory in Hobart, Tasmania in 1921.
This factory produced the first version of the Bertie Beetle chocolate bar, which was an instant hit with the Australian public.
From there, the company went on to establish factories all over the country, including in Claremont, Tasmania, where Bertie Beetles are now produced.
Over the years, Cadbury has maintained their commitment to producing quality chocolate products, and Bertie Beetles remain one of their most popular and iconic offerings.
How Bertie Beetles are Made
Bertie Beetles are made using a combination of crunchy honeycomb and creamy milk chocolate, two of the most popular ingredients in the confectionery world.
The honeycomb is made by mixing sugar, glucose syrup, and baking soda together in a special boiler.
This mix is then cooked to create the honeycomb base.
Once the honeycomb has been made, it is carefully cut into the classic Bertie Beetle shape and then coated in a thick layer of creamy milk chocolate.
The milk chocolate is made by combining cocoa powder, cocoa butter, sugar, and milk powder together in a special mixing machine.
This mix is then melted and stirred until a smooth, glossy chocolate is formed.
The coated honeycomb is then cooled and hardened before being packaged and sent out for sale.
Each Bertie Beetle is carefully crafted and inspected to ensure the highest quality product is delivered to customers.
So there you have it, the whole process of how Bertie Beetles are made! From the honeycomb boiler to the packaging, there is a lot of careful work that goes into producing these beloved treats.
So the next time you bite into a Bertie Beetle, be sure to appreciate all the hard work that goes into making them!
The Ingredients of a Bertie Beetle
When it comes to the classic Australian confectionary snack, the Bertie Beetle, it’s all about the ingredients.
The main elements that make up a Bertie Beetle are crunchy honeycomb, coated in delicious milk chocolate.
The honeycomb is made up of sugar, glucose, water and bicarbonate of soda.
All of these ingredients are combined to create the light and crunchy texture of the honeycomb centre.
The honeycomb is then coated in a generous layer of creamy milk chocolate to create the iconic Bertie Beetle.
The milk chocolate is made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, sugar, milk solids and emulsifiers such as soy lecithin.
The milk chocolate is then melted and poured over the honeycomb centre to create the classic Bertie Beetle.
The Bertie Beetle is then cooled until the chocolate sets and the honeycomb centre hardens, ready to be packaged and shipped to stores throughout Australia.
The final product is a delicious and creamy milk chocolate treat with a crunchy honeycomb centre, that has been delighting Australians since its introduction in 1967.
So, the next time you bite into a Bertie Beetle, you can take comfort in knowing that the ingredients that make up this iconic Australian chocolate treat are of the highest quality.
The Manufacturing Process of Bertie Beetles
The manufacturing process of Bertie Beetles is a well-guarded secret, but there are some details that have been revealed over the years.
The process begins with the chocolate coating, which is made from a combination of cocoa solids, sugar, milk solids and emulsifiers.
This chocolate coating is then combined with honeycomb, which is made from a mixture of sugar, glucose syrup, and bicarbonate of soda.
The two ingredients are then mixed together before being moulded into the now-iconic Bertie Beetle shape.
Once the mixture has been moulded, it is then cooled and cut into individual pieces.
The pieces are then packaged into individual wrappers, which are printed with the Cadbury logo and the Bertie Beetle logo.
Finally, the packages are sealed and sent to supermarkets and shops around the country.
The entire manufacturing process is controlled from start to finish by a number of highly-trained and experienced staff members, ensuring that each batch of Bertie Beetles is of the highest quality.
The staff also ensure that the production process adheres to the strict food safety regulations set out by the Australian government.
From start to finish, the entire manufacturing process of Bertie Beetles takes around five days, ensuring that the iconic treats are always fresh and delicious.
So, the next time youre wondering where Bertie Beetles are made, you can rest assured knowing that they are made in Claremont, Tasmania by the skilled hands of the Cadbury team.
The Impact of Bertie Beetles on Australian Culture
The beloved Bertie Beetle has become an iconic part of Australian culture since its introduction in 1967.
These crunchy honeycomb treats, coated in delicious milk chocolate, are a much-loved snack that continues to delight chocolate lovers of all ages.
From children to adults, from special occasions to everyday snacking, a bag of Bertie Beetles is always sure to bring a smile to the face.
The popularity of Bertie Beetles in Australia has led to their use as a symbol of Australian culture.
They have been featured in television shows, movies, and other media.
They are also used to promote special events and occasions, such as Australia Day and the Melbourne Cup.
The iconic image of a Bertie Beetle is often seen on billboards and advertisements throughout the country.
The Bertie Beetle has also been used to promote a sense of national pride in Australia.
It has become a symbol of unity, as it is a product that brings people of all ages together to enjoy a delicious treat.
Its unique shape and bright colours also give it a distinctive look that is instantly recognisable.
The Bertie Beetle has also been used to promote the importance of sustainability and supporting local businesses.
Cadbury Australia produces the treats in their factory in Claremont, Tasmania, which helps to support local businesses and the Tasmanian economy.
The factory also uses sustainable practices to minimise their impact on the environment.
The enduring popularity of Bertie Beetles in Australia is a testament to their role in Australian culture.
From childhood memories to adult indulgence, the Bertie Beetle continues to bring joy to chocolate lovers of all ages.
Its iconic image and distinctive flavour make it an Australian icon that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
What Makes Bertie Beetles So Special?
Bertie Beetles have become an iconic part of Australian culture, with their unique combination of crunchy honeycomb and creamy milk chocolate making them a beloved treat for people of all ages.
The classic combination of contrasting textures and flavours is what sets Bertie Beetles apart from other chocolate snacks, making them a truly special treat.
The honeycomb in Bertie Beetles is made with a combination of sugar, glucose syrup, and water, which is heated until it reaches the perfect consistency.
The hot honeycomb mixture is then poured into moulds to form the honeycomb shape, and it is then cooled and cut into bite-size pieces.
The crunchy pieces of honeycomb are then coated with a layer of creamy Cadbury milk chocolate.
Bertie Beetles have been a part of Australian culture since 1967, when they were first introduced by Cadbury Australia.
Since then, they have become a much-loved snack, appearing in lunch boxes and at parties around the country.
The popularity of Bertie Beetles shows no sign of slowing down, as they continue to be a firm favourite among generations of Aussies.
So, where are Bertie Beetles made? After all these years, the answer is still the same: the iconic chocolates are still made in the Cadbury factory in Claremont, Tasmania. From the honeycomb mixture to the creamy milk chocolate coating, every Bertie Beetle is crafted with the same care and attention to detail that the original recipe called for.
There is something truly special about the combination of crunchy honeycomb and creamy milk chocolate that makes Bertie Beetles so beloved.
It is no wonder that they have become an Australian icon and continue to delight chocolate lovers of all ages.
Final Thoughts
Bertie Beetles have been a beloved part of Australian culture since their introduction in 1967.
From the delicious ingredients to the intricate manufacturing process, there is much to appreciate about this iconic chocolate snack.
Not only are Bertie Beetles a tasty treat, but they are also a reminder of our Australian identity and of the values of hard work, creativity and resilience.
So the next time you bite into a Bertie Beetle, take a moment to appreciate the history and craftsmanship behind it and be proud to be an Aussie!