The History of Deep-fried Mars Bars in the UK

Eating a deep-fried chocolate bar is enough to turn anyone's stomach. After all, why ruin a perfectly good chocolate bar by dunking it into a deep-fat fryer and adding even more fat and calories to it? What started out as a gag food item in a 1980s Australian comedy series actually made its way into some British fish and chip shops.

Where it all Began

Deep-fried Mars Bars are said to have been invented in the Haven Chip Bar in Stonehaven, which is on Scotland's North-East Coast. The first mention of deep-fried Mars Bars was in the summer of 1995.

Scotland's Battle with Childhood Obesity

Scotland has come under constant attack in recent years over its soaring levels of childhood obesity and the ever increasing popularity of fried, processed foods over fresh fruit and vegetables. A National Health Service survey that was conducted in 2004, which appeared in the December issue of The Lancet, found that around 20% of Glasgow's fish and chip shops were at one time selling deep-fried Mars Bars, mostly to the region's youth population. Although certain government initiatives have tried to curb the steady increase in childhood obesity among British youngsters by offering healthier meal alternatives in schools, the appeal of junk food is on the rise among the UK's youth.

Decline in Deep-fried Mars Bars

Selling deep-fried Mars Bars in fish and chip shops has declined slightly in popularity around the UK in recent years, due no doubt in part to the health concerns raised of deep frying an already unhealthy food item. But that does not mean to say that deep-fried Mars Bars are on the way out just yet.

Catering to Tourists

Many tourists visiting the UK for the first time are intrigued to hear of deep-fried chocolate and want to investigate further. Backpackers who take a walk down Edinburgh's beautiful Royal Mile can still order deep-fried Mars Bars. If your stomach can handle a deep-fried Mars Bar, you might like to start off your meal with some other deep-fried specialties such as haggis pakora, deep-fried pizza or a kebab.