Twiglets are a bit like Marmite - you love them or hate them and there’s really not much in between. As it happens, the covering on these convincingly twig-like snacks is Marmite, so perhaps we shouldn’t be too surprised. Still, however you view them, surely the thought of a party without them – whether for their kitsch or culinary virtues – is anathema?

It was a French technical manager Mr Rondalin, who worked for Peak Frean’s in the 1920s, who hit on the idea of the Twiglet. Using the same dough that was used for the firm’s crispbread, Vitawheat, he experimented with different shapes and flavourings, and the final product was launched in time for the Christmas market in 1929. Twiglets are now manufactured in Aintree by Jacob’s, part of United Biscuits, and enjoy a devoted global following.