Tim Tam
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- For other uses, see Tim Tam (disambiguation).
Tim Tams are a chocolate biscuit made by Arnotts, Australia. Claimed to be Australia's favourite chocolate biscuit, around 30 million packs are sold each year - nearly 300 million biscuits, or two packs sold to every Australian.
There are several varieties of Tim Tams including Original, Chewy Caramel, Mocha, Double Coat, Chilli Chocolate, Classic Dark Chocolate and a constantly changing range of special edition varieties.
The existence of the Tim Tam has given rise to the phemomena of the Tim Tam Slam or Tim Tam Explosion. This practice involves biting off opposing corners of the Tim Tam (which is a oblong shaped biscuit) and then using it as a 'straw' to suck up a hot beverage (usually tea, coffee, or Milo) and then, just before the biscuit falls apart, it is placed in the mouth. The sensation of the Tim Tam 'exploding' in the mouth has been described by some as a near orgasmic pleasure and leads to very fast consumption of biscuits. Connoisseurs believe the Chewy Caramel variety is best for performing the Tim Tam Slam since the caramel centre helps to hold the biscuit together for a slightly longer time.
A Tim Tam Slam has been successfully performed by Natalie Imbruglia on the Graham Norton television series in the United Kingdom.
In 2004 Arnotts caused a controversy when they released a range of alcohol flavoured varieties of their products, including Tia Maria Tim Tams. Suggestions were made that selling these biscuits in supermarkets (Australian supermarkets do not sell alcoholic beverages) was irresponsible as minors could get hold of the product (in Australian law, someone under the age of 18). However, it would take several thousand Tim Tams for the alcohol to take effect.
For people living outside of Australia, it is possible to import Tim Tams through Arnott's; however, some international supermarkets are supplying Tim Tams: Tesco in the United Kingdom, for example, are selling Original, Chewy Choc Fudge, and Chewy Caramel flavours of Tim Tams. Tim Tams are also imported to and sold in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.