Mallomars

Chocolate-coated marshmallow treats

Classic chocolate-covered Schokokuss
Alternative names	Chocolate teacakes
Type	Treat
Place of origin	Denmark
Main ingredients	Egg whites, chocolate

Chocolate-coated marshmallow treats are produced in different variations around the world, with several countries claiming to have invented it or hailing it as their "national confection". The first chocolate-coated marshmallow treat was created in the early 1800s in Denmark. Originally the treat was made using cream (hence the Danish name flødeboller (cream buns)), but the filling was later made from egg whites to help industrialize production and improve shelf life. Many languages used to call these treats by phrases cognate with negro (e.g. negro's kiss, negro bun); most but not all of these have changed (e.g. choco-kiss).

In New Zealand, a common chocolated-coated marshmallow treat is the chocolate fish. A fish-shaped delicacy, 12 to 20 centimeters (5 to 8 inches) in length, it is made of pink or white marshmallow covered in a thin layer of milk chocolate. The milk chocolate's texture features scale-like ripples on the fish, created by the fish moving under a blower during production.

In Kiwi culture, the chocolate fish is a common reward for a small job done well ("Give that kid a chocolate fish").

In the United Kingdom this confection is known as a chocolate teacake, although a teacake in England is usually a sweet roll with dried fruit which is served toasted and buttered, this teacake is entirely different. These teacakes hail from Denmark where one can find many variations in flavour and quality. Teacakes are generally served in the afternoon alongside a traditional British 'cuppa'. There are several manufacturers of chocolate teacakes in the UK, though the best known is Tunnock's, a Scottish company founded in 1890. The Tunnock's teacake is commonly regarded in the same food category as the British biscuit, eaten at break times with a cup of tea as shown in advertising for the product. The Tunnock's Teacake enjoys iconic status in Scotland, evoking memories of childhood, or symbolising "home" for Scots around the world. The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service gives Tunnock's Teacakes to blood donors in Scotland after giving blood. There is an online appreciation society for the Tunnock's Teacake and Dundee University also has an appreciation society for the Tunnocks Teacake. A giant fully edible replica of a Tunnocks Teacake was made by Michelle Kershaw and Nick Dodds at Pimp That Snack. The opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow featured giant dancing Tunnocks Teacakes.