Yet, in the world of candy, they are a classic combination that has been enjoyed for decades.
But why? What is it about these two flavors that make them work so well together?
This article will talk about the history and origins of this strange pairing. It will also go over the candy that made it famous.
Take a seat, get a bag of Shrimps and Bananas, and let’s explore the world of sweets!
Candy lovers in the UK have long enjoyed a peculiar sweet treat – Shrimps and Bananas. These colorful foam candies, shaped like shrimp and banana slices, offer a tangy raspberry shrimp flavor paired with sweet banana.
This odd couple of candy flavors has puzzled many Shrimps and bananas don’t seem like two foods that would complement each other. So how did this unique candy combination come about?
As it turns out, there’s a fascinating history behind Shrimps and Bananas that explains the origins of this quirky confection. Let’s dive in and learn more about this retro candy and its unexpected pairing of flavors.
A Brief History of Shrimps and Bananas Candy
Shrimps and Bananas dates back to the 1960s, when it was introduced by the British candy company Barratt. At the time, foam and jelly candies were rising in popularity in the UK. Barratt wanted to create an innovative, fun product to appeal to the candy-loving public.
Their solution was to develop a foam candy in the playful shapes of shrimp and banana slices. The shrimp shape was chosen for its novelty, while the banana was included as a nod to the popularity of banana-flavored sweets at the time.
The flavors selected were raspberry for the shrimps and banana for the banana slices. The tangy and sweet taste combination was an instant hit with children and adults alike.
Over the years, Shrimps and Bananas became a classic candy in the UK, joining the ranks of other nostalgic treats like Parma Violets and Rhubarb & Custards. Even now, it remains one of Barratt’s most iconic and beloved products.
Why Were Shrimps and Bananas Paired Together?
When Shrimps and Bananas first debuted, the flavor pairing probably seemed odd to many. So why did Barratt choose to combine raspberry shrimps with banana candy?
The decision was likely driven by the rising popularity of foam and jelly candies in the 1960s. Barratt wanted to create something unique to appeal to the public’s growing appetite for innovative treats.
Raspberry and banana flavors were both quite popular at the time. By shaping the candies as shrimps and bananas, Barratt was able to give each flavor its own unique identity. The colors also made the pieces visually distinct – pink for raspberry shrimp, yellow for banana.
The unusual whimsy of shrimp and banana shapes helped the candy stand out on store shelves. And the flavor combination proved surprisingly addictive. The tangy sweet-and-sour raspberry shrimp balanced beautifully with the mellow, creamy banana foil.
Together, the shapes and flavors created a new taste experience unlike anything else on the market. For candy lovers, it was love at first bite – and Shrimps and Bananas became an instant classic.
The Unlikely Appeal of the Flavor Combination
On paper, shrimp and banana seem like a mismatch. But through some serendipitous chemistry, they make for an irresistible candy pairing.
The tangy raspberry shrimp flavor provides a sweet-tart pop of flavor. It has bright, zesty notes that dance on your tongue. The banana foil lends a smooth, rich sweetness that perfectly balances the shrimp’s acidity.
The combination satisfies a blend of flavor cravings. The shrimp satisfies our desire for something exciting and complex. The banana offers familiar creamy comfort. Together, they create an addictive harmony of flavors.
This dynamic is likely why Shrimps and Bananas appeal to both kids and adults. The shrimp brings out the kid in us who wants something fun and playful. The banana satisfies our mature appreciation of subtler sweetness.
Plus, both flavors evoke nostalgia, reminding grown-up candy fans of treasured treats from childhood. This added emotional appeal gives Shrimps and Bananas an extra special place in candy lovers’ hearts.
The Evolution of Shrimps and Bananas Over the Decades
While the classic raspberry and banana Shrimps and Bananas remain popular, Barratt has introduced new flavor twists over the years to keep the candy feeling fresh.
Some variations have included:
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Tropical Shrimps and Bananas – With pineapple shrimp and coconut banana flavors
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Sour Shrimps and Bananas – With sour raspberry shrimp and lemon banana flavors
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Fruit Salad Shrimps and Bananas – With assorted fruit shrimp flavors and strawberry banana slices
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Exotic Shrimps and Bananas – With passionfruit shrimp and mango banana flavors
These limited editions allow Barratt to experiment with new flavor pairings. But devotees of the original can rest assured that the raspberry and banana combo will always have a place on candy store shelves.
How Shrimps and Bananas Made Their Way into Pop Culture
As a longtime favorite treat in the UK, Shrimps and Bananas have become ingrained in British pop culture over the decades.
The candy has been featured in various TV shows, commercials, and music over the years. The shrimp and banana shapes are instantly recognizable to generations who grew up enjoying the classic candy.
Some cultural references to Shrimps and Bananas include:
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Being mentioned in UK pop singer Lily Allen’s song “LDN.”
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Playing a role in an episode of the classic British sitcom “Only Fools and Horses.”
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Appearing in the book “Boy: Tales of Childhood” by British author Roald Dahl.
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Being used by artists David Shrigley and Stefan Brüggemann in different visual art pieces.
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Being one of the candies featured in the Eurovision Song Contest when it was held in Birmingham in 1998.
For many Brits, just seeing those little pink shrimps and yellow banana slices brings back a rush of happy childhood memories. Shrimps and Bananas have truly become a cultural icon in the UK over the past 50+ years!
Why Shrimps and Bananas Just Work
When you break it down, the pairing of shrimp and banana flavors in candy may seem random. But sometimes the most random combinations end up creating the most delightful experiences.
The history shows how Shrimps and Bananas were an innovation born out of a desire to create something new and fun. The flavors and shapes came together in a serendipitous way that turned out to be pure candy genius.
It just goes to show you that food innovation sometimes requires an open mind and a willingness to experiment. Had Barratt played it safe back in the 60s, we may have never experienced the weird wonder that is Shrimps and Bananas!
So next time you enjoy this quirky candy pairing, appreciate the beautiful randomness that brought shrimps and bananas deliciously together.
Why Are Shrimps And Bananas Together?
Shrimps and Bananas candy comes from the UK, where the candy company Barratt first made it in the 1960s. The candy consists of foam sweets shaped like shrimps and bananas, with flavors of raspberry and banana.
But why did Barratt choose to mix these two flavors? It’s because foam sweets were very popular at the time. Foam sweets were a new and interesting kind of candy, and Barratt wanted to make a product that would make them stand out from the others.
The company decided to make Shrimps and Bananas by combining two popular fruit flavors—banana and raspberry—with a fun and interesting shape. The shrimp shape was chosen because it was different, and the banana shape was chosen because banana-flavored sweets are very popular.
At first, people weren’t sure if shrimp and banana flavors would go well together, but Shrimps and Bananas quickly became a favorite among candy lovers. The candy’s unique shape and delicious flavors made it a favorite among children and adults alike.
The Science Behind Why Shrimps And Bananas Work Together
It might seem strange that shrimp and banana flavors go well together, but there is a scientific reason for this. Both shrimp and bananas contain chitosan, a substance derived from the shells of crustaceans like shrimp and crabs. Chitosan is a superabsorbent material that has many uses in medical and commercial applications.
Chitosan has been looked at in recent years to see if it can keep fruits and vegetables fresher for longer. Chitosan aerogel can slow down the ripening process and stop the growth of bacteria that make food go bad when sprayed on green bananas.
Bananas, like other fresh fruits and vegetables, are alive and respirate even after they are picked. When bananas respirate, they take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide through their skin. The more a banana respirates, the quicker it ripens. While many other fruits’ respiration rates slow down, bananas’ do not. They also do not ripen slowly.
However, chitosan aerogel coating on green bananas slows down respiration and kills bacteria that cause bananas to go bad. This keeps the bananas fresh for up to 12 days, which is much longer than untreated bananas.
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FAQ
Can you eat shrimp with bananas?
What are shrimps and bananas?
Can I put bananas on my shrimp tank?
Are shrimps and bananas vegetarian?
How do you make banana sauce with shrimp?
Spoon the banana sauce into bowls. A small concave vessel with a large bell is best. Place 5 shrimp to a bowl on top of the sauce. Garnish with onion sprouts. Looking for Something Else?
What is the difference between prawn and shrimp?
Shrimp and prawns have plenty of similarities, but they are not the same animal. Their differences involve their biology. Shrimp bodies are encased in a sort of accordion shell, with a membrane between the segments. Prawns have a shell where each segment overlaps the one below it. There are no big differences between them when it comes to their nutritional value; they are both a good source of protein, and relatively low in calories.
What does prawn & banana Curry mean?
It means the whole world . Finding diet-friendly and allergen-free recipes has never been easier. This sweet and spicy Caribbean prawn and banana curry is a rich, fiery dish prepared with coconut milk, scotch bonnet chillies, and tomatoes, in 350 kcal.
What makes a prawn curry so special?
The contrasting flavours in this curry are what make it so special. Creamy coconut milk blends the sweetness of the banana with the delicate seafood flavour of prawns. Then you have the super spicy bonnet chilli that tries to win over your taste buds with fiery Jamaican flavours.