What is a Violet Crumble?
A Violet Crumble is an Australian chocolate bar with a crunchy honeycomb centre coated in chocolate. First made in Melbourne in 1913 by Hoadley's, it is famous for the slogan it's the way it shatters that matters.
Abel Hoadley's company created the bar, and his wife's favourite colour, violet, and favourite flower inspired its name and purple wrapper.
The honeycomb is made from sugar, golden syrup and bicarbonate of soda, which foams and sets into a light, brittle texture. The chocolate coating seals the honeycomb to stop it absorbing moisture and becoming sticky.
Changing owners
Over the decades, the brand was owned by Nestle and later sold. In 2018, the Adelaide company Robern Menz bought Violet Crumble, returning it to Australian ownership.
The bar remains a nostalgic favourite for many Australians, and the company has released new versions, including bite-sized pieces and dark chocolate editions, to attract younger buyers.
Similar honeycomb bars are sold in other countries, such as the Crunchie in Britain, and in New Zealand honeycomb is often called hokey pokey, a popular ice cream flavour there. Australians often debate which honeycomb bar is best.
Did You Know?
Violet Crumble has been described as one of Australia's oldest surviving chocolate bar brands.