For office workers and many others, lunchtime means heading to the local supermarket, coffee shop or cafe for something to eat. Savoury products like sandwiches, cold and hot drinks, and sweets can all be purchased for a low cost. A bad day at the office can set off a mass purchase of all things chocolaty. A muffin is often the treat of choice to accompany a coffee or as a dessert. because they come in a number of flavours and are easy to use, the muffin is a convenient food as well as a tasty one.
The muffin is now considered to be a gourmet snack by many because of its shape and flavours. The expansion of gourmet coffee shops like Starbucks has led to this in part. Luxury ingredients like Belgian chocolate chips and the freshest fruits are used so that even discerning eaters are tempted to nibble on the top of a muffin.
Sweet treats are no longer just for those who aren’t on a diet, now people watching their weight can indulge in a ‘skinny muffin’ of lemon, blueberry and many other flavours. Coffee houses are not losing money by driving away those on a diet whilst the customers feel like they are eating something tasty yet healthy.
our attitudes have also changed towards muffins because of their shape and size. muffins began quite small and evenly shaped. Then came the dawn of the massive topped muffin which was bigger than the traditional size. This is how we now use the term ‘muffin top’ to describe when tight trousers create a bulge over the top of them.
In recent years however the flower-pot or tulip muffin has become the most popular. This has been partly triggered by the reluctance of consumers to eat such a big portion all in one sitting, as this new design is a little smaller and more even between top and bottom. The name flower-pot comes from the fine paper that surrounds the bottom of the muffin.
Coffee stores and shops can make a lot of money from having muffins on their shelves as can pubs where customers like the sweet alternative to crisps and pork scratchings.