Core Ingredients of Highgates Flapjacks
The base of Highgates flapjacks, including the 'Plain and Delicious' variety, consists of key ingredients for texture and taste. These include:
- Oats: Hand-rolled oats form the bulk of the flapjack, contributing texture and fibre.
- Margarine: Made from vegetable oils (like palm and rapeseed), water, and salt, margarine binds the oats and adds moisture. Emulsifiers, colours (curcumin, annatto), and flavouring are also present in the margarine.
- Sweeteners: A blend of inverted sugar syrup, cane molasses, glucose syrup, and sugar provides sweetness and helps create the characteristic sticky, dense consistency. Partially inverted sugar syrup is used in some plain varieties.
Variations in Highgates Flapjack Flavors
Highgates offers various flavors, each with additional ingredients beyond the core base. For example, the Chocolate Coated flapjack features a chocolate flavour coating made with sugar, partially hydrogenated vegetable fat (palm kernel), sweet whey powder (milk), fat-reduced cocoa powder, emulsifiers (lecithins, polyglycerol polyricinoleate), and flavourings. The Cherry and Coconut variety includes red candied cherries and desiccated coconut. The Caramel Flavour Fudgice Flapjack has a caramel fudgice layer. The full list of ingredients for each variety can be found on the {Link: Highgates website https://higatesltd.co.uk/walsall-flapjacks.php}.
Comparison Table: Ingredients Across Highgates Flapjack Varieties
| Ingredient Group | Plain & Delicious | Chocolate Coated | Cherry & Coconut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Base | Oats, Margarine, Inverted Sugar Syrup, Cane Molasses, Glucose Syrup, Sugar | Oats, Margarine, Inverted Sugar Syrup, Cane Molasses, Glucose Syrup, Sugar | Oats, Margarine, Inverted Sugar Syrup, Cane Molasses, Glucose Syrup, Sugar |
| Added Flavor | N/A | Chocolate flavour coating (sugar, palm kernel fat, whey powder, cocoa powder, emulsifiers, flavors) | Red candied cherries (cherries, syrup, preservatives, colour), Desiccated coconut |
| Allergen Warnings | May contain wheat, barley, rye, spelt, milk, soya, sulphites | Contains oats, milk, soya. May contain wheat, barley, rye, spelt | Contains oats, sulphites. May contain wheat, barley, rye, spelt, milk, soya |
| Vegetarian Status | Suitable for vegetarians | Suitable for vegetarians | Suitable for vegetarians |
Allergens and Dietary Considerations
Checking individual product labels for allergens is important. Common allergens in Highgates flapjacks include:
- Cereals containing gluten: Due to oats and potential cross-contamination with wheat, barley, rye, and spelt.
- Milk and Soya: Found in coatings (whey powder) and emulsifiers (lecithin).
- Sulphites: Present in some fruit varieties like those with candied cherries.
Highgates advises caution for those with severe allergies due to manufacturing processes. Most flavors are suitable for vegetarians.
Conclusion: Decoding the Ingredients of Highgates Flapjacks
Highgates flapjacks are made with a core of hand-rolled oats, margarine, and sweet syrups, with variations adding different coatings and inclusions. This means nutritional profiles and allergen risks vary by flavor. Always check the specific product label for the most accurate information. The brand focuses on quality and consistent taste.
Nutritional information
Nutritional content varies by flavor. A Plain & Delicious 100g serving has about 426 calories, 19g fat (5.5g saturated), 53.8g carbohydrates (24.6g sugars), and 6.2g protein. Flavored versions will differ.
Highgates' production and quality
Highgates produces their handmade flapjacks in the West Midlands, UK, emphasizing natural ingredients, quality control, and food safety. This ensures consistency across all varieties.
