Do you love chocolate? What about crisps? How about the two of them together? In the latest instalment of my nostalgia series, I am powering up the time machine and talking to the fantastic Maria, the creator of Bar of Crisps! Having starred on some major hit shows, she knows how to make the perfect blend of the ingredients work, whilst getting noticed!

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Growing up, I always dreamed of going into a Willy Wonka style chocolate factory, hoping to make the next genius product. Sadly, the dream never came to be. However, my passion for celebrating those who have managed to succeed in the industry has only grown. 

As we reach the end of the month, I am powering up the time machine to talk to Maria, the creator of the world famous Bar of Crisps. A chocolate bar with crisps added in. Having featured on many TV shows, a few years ago, I was offered the chance to try it and it has stayed within our family ever since. 

Mixing the sweetness of the chocolate with the savoury crisps makes for an inventive, dynamic delight that you won’t forget. Much like how Maria hasn’t forgotten these classic moments from her childhood. Grab a bar and find out all about her here…

Let’s begin by letting you introduce yourself to us? Tell us your name, age and the year you were born!

I’m Maria [and I am] 48, [having been] born in 1975.

Now, let’s step back in time! What year would you love to go back to and relive all over again?

I’d love to go back to 2005, where I was working in a pub, pulling pints, making new friends and just having the absolute best time ever. I didn’t want for anything, other than enough money to cover rent and socialising with friends. I laughed so much and didnt have a care in the world. 

Okay, now picture this, you are at school and it’s lunchtime! What foods do you always associate with either your packed lunch or canteen?

At lunchtime, I’d be the first in line for a chocolate cornflake square. They were homemade, about 20p and utterly delicious!

You’ve got to go into your last lesson of the day! What are you hoping it will be and why?

My last lesson of the day is English Literature, where we are reading from books written by the most amazing authors and discussing them freely. The teacher would encourage us to really think outside out the box and think beyond the words written on the page.

Schools over, you have rushed home to watch TV. What are you turning on? Why this show in particular?

After school I’d be watching Grange Hill (showing my age now!). It was topical, relatable and interesting.  

You’ve reached the weekend and you’re going to the cinema! What film do you remember seeing the most when you were younger? Why is this one such a classic to you?

[Going to the] cinema at the weekend would have [been to see] Back to the Future. What a ride! A few hours of action, excitement, laughs and incredible special effects! Plus, a great soundtrack!

You are back home and it’s time to play with your toys! What was the toy you most wanted when you were younger and why? Did you get it in the end?

The toy I played with the most was my Sindy dolls house. It was pink and full of tiny furniture that I could arrange. I'd wanted it for ages and my Nan bought it for me. It’s still in my parents loft! 

Is there anything you still own from your childhood that you simply cannot bear to part with?

I had a golden teddy bear that was so cute. He sat on my bed and become somewhat of a comfort for me. He wasn’t a soft cuddly bear, more of an ornament, but he was still cute and familiar and [that] is the reason why I cant part with him [now]! 

What moment in history do you think defined or stayed with you from your childhood? Can you explain why this left such a mark on you?

A moment in history that has stayed with me, not so much from childhood, but in my teenage years was Princess Diana's death. I remember the moment my friends and I heard the news. It [was] cemented that night deep in my brain.

To find out more about the incredible Bar of Crisps or Maria, head to their website! The chocolate has been praised by critics and leading figures in the industry, even appearing on Dragon’s Den, so you will not be disappointed if you have one lovelies! 

Joey X